The upper layers of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle, as opposed to the more fluid lower mantle and core.
The upper layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle, as opposed to the more fluid lower mantle and core. The lithosphere is divided into several pieces called tectonic plates, which are moved about the planet by convection currents in the mantle. The oceanic lithosphere is 50 to 100 kilometres thick, and the continental lithosphere can be up to twice as thick.
The lithosphere is divided into several pieces called tectonic plates, which are moved about the planet by convection currents in the mantle. The oceanic lithosphere is 50 to 100 kilometres thick, and the continental lithosphere can be up to twice as thick.