lithosphere
Meaning: The rigid outer layer of the Earth, comprising the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, which forms the tectonic plates.
The lithosphere is typically 70 to 150 kilometres thick and floats on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath it. Tectonic plates — the large fragments of the lithosphere — move, collide, and separate, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building. The concept is fundamental to plate tectonics theory and features prominently in GCSE and A-level geography. The oceanic lithosphere is thinner and denser than the continental lithosphere. It collocates with 'tectonic plates,' 'mantle,' 'crust,' 'continental,' and 'oceanic.'
Examples
- The lithosphere is divided into major and minor tectonic plates that interact at convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries. 岩石圈被分为在聚合、发散和转换边界处相互作用的大型和小型构造板块。La litosfera se divide en placas tectónicas mayores y menores que interactúan en límites convergentes, divergentes y transformantes.リソスフェアは、収束境界、発散境界、トランスフォーム境界で相互作用する大小の構造プレートに分かれています。암석권은 수렴 경계, 발산 경계, 변환 경계에서 상호 작용하는 대소의 구조판으로 나뉘어 있습니다.
- Convection currents in the asthenosphere drive the slow movement of the lithosphere above. 软流圈中的对流驱动着上方岩石圈的缓慢运动。Las corrientes de convección en la astenosfera impulsan el movimiento lento de la litosfera situada encima.アセノスフェアの対流がその上のリソスフェアのゆっくりとした動きを駆動しています。연약권의 대류가 그 위에 있는 암석권의 느린 움직임을 구동합니다.
- The A-level geography course examines how processes within the lithosphere create volcanic and seismic hazards. A-level地理课程考察岩石圈内部的过程如何产生火山和地震灾害。El curso de geografía de A-level examina cómo los procesos dentro de la litosfera generan riesgos volcánicos y sísmicos.Aレベルの地理学課程では、リソスフェア内の過程がどのように火山や地震のハザードを生み出すかを学びます。A레벨 지리학 과정에서는 암석권 내부의 과정이 어떻게 화산 및 지진 재해를 일으키는지를 학습합니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek lithos (stone) and sphaira (ball, globe). Coined in the late 19th century as understanding of the Earth's internal structure developed.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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