Chapter 7: Problem 4

Identify Earth's layers. Include in your answer a definition of the lithosphere and tectonic plates.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Earth has four primary layers: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. The lithosphere consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, with a thickness ranging from 100 to 150 kilometers. Tectonic plates are large, irregularly shaped slabs of the lithosphere that move over the semi-solid asthenosphere in the mantle. Their movement is responsible for the continuous reshaping of Earth's surface and the occurrence of natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Step by step solution

Identify Earth's layers

There are four primary layers of the Earth: 1. Crust - The outermost and thinnest layer 2. Mantle - The layer below the crust, subdivided into upper and lower mantle regions 3. Outer Core - The liquid layer beneath the mantle 4. Inner Core - The solid innermost layer

Define the Lithosphere

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It has both the oceanic crust, which varies in thickness from 5 to 10 kilometers, and the continental crust, which varies from 30 to 50 kilometers. The upper mantle portion of the lithosphere extends to a depth of about 100 kilometers, making the lithosphere thickness range from 100 to 150 kilometers.

Define Tectonic Plates

Tectonic plates are large, irregularly shaped slabs of solid rock composed of the Earth's lithosphere. They move over the semi-solid asthenosphere in the mantle below the lithosphere. These movements occur at an average rate of a few centimeters per year and their interactions at plate boundaries result in the formation of various geological features such as mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Explain the importance of the lithosphere and tectonic plates

The lithosphere and tectonic plates play vital roles in shaping our planet's surface. The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for the slow but continuous reshaping of our Earth's surface through the processes of plate tectonics. This includes the creation of new crust at mid-ocean ridges, subduction of crust back into the mantle at deep-sea trenches, and the formation of mountain ranges at convergent boundaries. These processes contribute to Earth's ever-changing landscape, as well as the occurrence of natural phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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Identify Earth's layers. Include in your answer a definition of the lithosphere and tectonic plates.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify Earth's layers

Define the Lithosphere

Define Tectonic Plates

Explain the importance of the lithosphere and tectonic plates

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