li
thos
phere
Plural
lithospheres
1
the Earth's rigid outer layer, made up of the crust and upper mantle, and divided into tectonic plates
- The lithosphere includes the Earth's continental crust, forming the solid ground beneath our feet.
- Oceanic lithosphere is denser than continental lithosphere, leading to differences in elevation.
- The lithosphere contains diverse geological features, from vast mountain ranges to deep ocean trenches.
- The lithosphere is crucial for supporting Earth's diverse ecosystems, providing a foundation for life.
- The lithosphere is in constant motion, with plates drifting and interacting over geological time scales.
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