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it "surfs" on top of the asthenosphere's convection currents. we walk on it (it's the crust and the brittle portion of the upper mantle)

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The crust and upper mantle are called the?

The crust and the upper mantle are a geological part of the earth called the lithosphere. There are 2 parts of the lithosphere: the oceanic lithosphere, which is made up of land underneath water, and the continental lithosphere, which is the the part made of just land. The lithosphere lies on top of the asthenosphere. The lithosphere is made up of tectonic plates, which are pieces of land floating on the lithosphere.


Does continental lithosphere contain more mafic rocks than oceanic lithosphere?

No, oceanic lithosphere contains more mafic rocks compared to continental lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is mainly composed of basalt, which is a mafic rock, whereas continental lithosphere is composed of a variety of rock types, including granitic rocks which are more felsic in composition.


Why is oceanic lithosphere subducted while continental lithosphere is not?

The density of the continental (granitic) lithosphere is lower than oceanic (basaltic) lithosphere. Consequently, due to buoyancy, the continental crust rides above the oceanic lithosphere and thus is not subducted. However, it is thought that pieces of the continental lithosphere break off and are subducted along with the oceanic lithosphere.


What is the crust and the upper mantle are called?

The crust and uppermost hard rocky mantle, together, is known as the lithosphere, which is above the plastic-like upper mantle area known as the asthenosphere.


What is the average thickness of the lithosphere?

The average thickness of the lithosphere is around 100 kilometers, but it can vary depending on the location and whether it is oceanic or continental lithosphere. Oceanic lithosphere is typically thinner (around 5-10 kilometers) compared to continental lithosphere, which can be up to 200 kilometers thick.

Related Questions

The crust and uppermost mantle make up the rigid outer layer of earth called the?

The uppermost mantle and the crust makes the lithosphere.


What is the lithosphere of the lithosphere?

The lithosphere is composed of the crust and uppermost hard, brittle mantle.


What is the mechanics layer of earth that contains tectonic plates?

Lithosphere (apex)


The crust and upper mantle are called the?

The crust and the upper mantle are a geological part of the earth called the lithosphere. There are 2 parts of the lithosphere: the oceanic lithosphere, which is made up of land underneath water, and the continental lithosphere, which is the the part made of just land. The lithosphere lies on top of the asthenosphere. The lithosphere is made up of tectonic plates, which are pieces of land floating on the lithosphere.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sub duct while continental lithosphere does not?

Oceanic lithosphere is dense enough to be forced down into the mantle. Continental lithosphere is not.


What is an antonym for lithosphere?

whats an antonyms for lithosphere


Why does oceanic lithosphere sinks beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundaries?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath continental lithosphere at convergent boundary's?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


Why does oceanic lithosphere sink beneath convergent lithosphere at convergent boundaries?

As odd as it is to think of things this way, continental lithosphere is more buoyant than oceanic lithosphere. The oceanic lithosphere is more dense.


Where is the lithosphere locate?

The lithosphere is located at the surface of Earth.The lithosphere is the first layer of the mechanical version of the Earth's layers. The lithosphere is the outer most layer of the Earth.


What are the pieces of the lithosphere?

Earth's Crust, Lithosphere and Asthenosphere


Pieces of the lithosphere are?

Earth's Crust, Lithosphere and Asthenosphere