How is lithosphere important?
The lithosphere is the rocky outer layer of any rocky planet, a
term derived from the greek for rocky sphere. The lithosphere is
important to humans, as it sheilds us, and all other organisms on
Earth, from the immense heat of the Earth's inner core. The
consequence of its formation is that water can exist in its liquid
form, allowing for the carbon-based life forms that exist today.
However, the lisophere is also important for the stability of the
Earth. The inner layers of the Earth are subjected to pressure by
the lisophere as it is affected by gravity, forcing the innermost
elements into the Earth's radioactive core, continuing the nuclear
fusion that maintains the planet's constant state of balance.
Finally, due to the Earth's formation by the congregation of
elements from a long-passed supernova explosion, a number of
essential heavy elements, such as carbon, iron, etc. had become
trapped in the lithosphere as they settled in the Earth's upper
layers as it cooled. It is these elements that allow and comprise
much of what exists on the surface today.