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the lithosphere is the Earth's crust and the very top of the mantle together

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Marvin Durgan

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What is the definition of Isostacy theory?

Isostasy theory is a geological concept that posits that Earth's lithosphere is in gravitational equilibrium, with lighter elements floating on top of heavier materials in the mantle. This theory explains how the lithosphere adjusts vertically to maintain balance when weight is added or removed, such as from the melting of ice sheets.


What is the definition of lithospehere?

The lithosphere is the rigid outermost layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and upper portion of the mantle. It is divided into several large tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.


The crust and upper mantle are called the?

The crust and the upper mantle are a geological part of the earth called the lithosphere. There are 2 parts of the lithosphere: the oceanic lithosphere, which is made up of land underneath water, and the continental lithosphere, which is the the part made of just land. The lithosphere lies on top of the asthenosphere. The lithosphere is made up of tectonic plates, which are pieces of land floating on the lithosphere.


Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?

No, oceanic lithosphere contains more mafic rocks compared to continental lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is mainly composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock, whereas continental lithosphere is composed of a variety of rock types, including granitic rocks which are more felsic in composition.


Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted while continental lithosphere is not?

Oceanic lithosphere is denser and cooler than continental lithosphere, making it more prone to subduction. As oceanic lithosphere descends into the mantle at subduction zones, it creates a trench and can trigger volcanic activity. Continental lithosphere, being less dense and thicker, tends to be buoyant and is typically too buoyant to be subducted.

Related Questions

What is the word that goes with this definition the crust and the outermost layer of the mantle that moves are?

the lithosphere.


What is the lithosphere short definition?

The lithosphere is the outermost layer of Earth and includes the crust and part of the upper mantle. It is rigid and divided into tectonic plates that interact and move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere below.


What is the definition for accreted terran?

a piece of lithosphere that becomes part of a larger landmass when tectonic plats collide at a convergent boundary


What is the Asthenosphere definition?

The upper layer of the earth's mantle, below the lithosphere, in which there is relatively low resistance to plastic flow and convection is thought to occur.


The crust and uppermost mantle make up the rigid outer layer of earth called the?

The uppermost mantle and the crust makes the lithosphere.


What is the definition of Isostacy theory?

Isostasy theory is a geological concept that posits that Earth's lithosphere is in gravitational equilibrium, with lighter elements floating on top of heavier materials in the mantle. This theory explains how the lithosphere adjusts vertically to maintain balance when weight is added or removed, such as from the melting of ice sheets.


What is the lithosphere of the lithosphere?

The lithosphere is composed of the crust and uppermost hard, brittle mantle.


What is the definition of lithospehere?

The lithosphere is the rigid outermost layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and upper portion of the mantle. It is divided into several large tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.


What is the mechanics layer of earth that contains tectonic plates?

Lithosphere (apex)


The crust and upper mantle are called the?

The crust and the upper mantle are a geological part of the earth called the lithosphere. There are 2 parts of the lithosphere: the oceanic lithosphere, which is made up of land underneath water, and the continental lithosphere, which is the the part made of just land. The lithosphere lies on top of the asthenosphere. The lithosphere is made up of tectonic plates, which are pieces of land floating on the lithosphere.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sub duct while continental lithosphere does not?

Oceanic lithosphere is dense enough to be forced down into the mantle. Continental lithosphere is not.


What is an antonym for lithosphere?

whats an antonyms for lithosphere