What is the lithosphere?
Q: What is the lithosphere?
A: The lithosphere is the solid outer shell of the planet Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.
Q: What is the asthenosphere?
A: The asthenosphere is the weaker, hotter, and deeper part of the upper mantle that can flow.
Q: How does the lithosphere affect heat transport through the Earth?
A: The lithosphere provides a conductive lid on top of the convecting mantle, which reduces heat transport through the Earth.
Q: What is the origin of the word "lithosphere"?
A: The word "lithosphere" is derived from the Ancient Greek words "λίθος" (lithos) for "rocky" and "σφαίρα" (sphaira) for "sphere".
Q: What is the composition of the lithosphere on Earth?
A: The lithosphere on Earth is composed of the crust and the part of the upper mantle that behaves elastically over long time scales.
Q: How is the crust defined?
A: The crust is defined on the basis of its chemistry and mineralogy.
Q: What is the definition of the outermost shell of a terrestrial-type planet or natural satellite?
A: The outermost shell of a terrestrial-type planet or natural satellite, called the lithosphere, is defined by its rigid mechanical properties.
