What is asthenosphere and lithosphere?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definitions and characteristics of the asthenosphere and lithosphere, which are layers of the Earth's structure. The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows for tectonic plate movement, while the lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth.
Answer
The lithosphere is the brittle outer layer, while the asthenosphere is the plastic-like layer beneath it.
The lithosphere is the brittle outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and uppermost mantle, while the asthenosphere is the solid, yet plastic-like, layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere.
Answer for screen readers
The lithosphere is the brittle outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and uppermost mantle, while the asthenosphere is the solid, yet plastic-like, layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere.
More Information
The lithosphere, which includes tectonic plates, is responsible for Earth's surface dynamics, such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. The asthenosphere's plasticity allows these plates to move.
Sources
- Lithosphere and Asthenosphere | CK-12 Foundation - flexbooks.ck12.org
- Reading: The Lithosphere and Asthenosphere | Geology - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Lithosphere - National Geographic Society - nationalgeographic.org
