0
People often confuse the terms 'lithosphere' and 'crust'. The crust is indeed part of the lithosphere, and the lithosphere [minus the crust] is an extension of the mantle.
The distinguishing factor between lithospheric (rock-sphere) mantle and the asthenospheric (soft-sphere) mantle is not compositional, but mainly related to temperature and density.
At ocean spreading centers, where new lithosphere forms, there is no sharp contrast between the new, warm, thin lithosphere and the upwelling asthenosphere below. In the old, cool, dense lithosphere that makes up ocean basins, the difference between the 'layers' is quite distinguishable.
If you look at it from this perspective, the crust is simply coasting atop the lithosphere, getting a free ride. It is the behavior of the mantle, which comprises both the lithosphere and asthenosphere, that controls how plates form, move, and subduct. So yes, the crust is part of the lithosphere, in that it is made up of rocks.
Source(s):I'm a geologist/physicist.BLANCHE MARIE PUEBLAS :)
What else can I help you with?
Which layer of the earth contains the crust and upper mantle?
The layer of the Earth that contains both the crust and upper mantle is called the Lithosphere.
Is the upper mantle part of the lithosphere or asthenosphere?
The The crust and the uppermost layer of the mantle form the lithosphere. The asthenosphere, which is still in the upper mantle, is the next layer down.
Which layer includes crust and upper mantle?
The layer that includes the crust and upper mantle is the lithosphere. The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth that is broken into tectonic plates. It includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
What layer does the crust and the upper layer of the mantle make?
lithosphere
The crust and uppermost mantle make up the rigid outer layer of Earth what is it called?
Together the crust and upper mantle make the lithosphere.
What is the crust and brittle upper mantle called?
Earth's crust and brittle upper mantle is called the lithosphere.
Which layer of the earth contains the tectonic plates?
The plates are part of the crust, the upper layer of the Earth. The plates are moved by currents in the upper mantle. The plates and flexible upper mantle are referred to collectively as the lithosphere and sit atop the mantle layer called the aesthenosphere.
Is the crust a layer of rocks under the plate or is the crust the plates?
The crust is the layer at the surface that forms the upper part of the plates. The plates also include a portion of the upper mantle just beneath the crust. Together, the crust and this upper portion of the mantle form the lithosphere.
What is called the crust And the upper mantle called?
lithosphere
What is the layer called between the crust and the upper mantle?
moho
What does the upper layer and the crust of the mantle make up?
lithosphere
What is the layer called between the crust and upper mantle?
moho
