Lithosphere (Noun)
Meaning
The solid part of the earth consisting of the crust and outer mantle.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The Earth's lithosphere is broken into several large plates that float on the more fluid asthenosphere below.
- The boundary between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere is not clearly defined, but is thought to be at a depth of about 100 to 200 kilometers.
- The lithosphere is broken into several major plates that move relative to each other, resulting in geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
- The thickness of the lithosphere varies greatly, ranging from about 50 to 200 kilometers, depending on the location and the type of rocks present.
- The movement of the lithosphere is responsible for the creation of mountain ranges, oceanic and continental trenches, and other geological features.