Lithosphere

The lithosphere is the outermost solid shell of the Earth. It is composed of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. The lithosphere is divided into several tectonic plates that float and move on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.

Composition

The lithosphere is primarily composed of rocks, minerals, and soil. The crust is made up of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, while the upper mantle consists of solid, but flowing, rock materials.

Structure

The lithosphere is divided into several tectonic plates, which can be continental or oceanic in nature. These plates interact with each other at their boundaries, leading to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.

Functions

The lithosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. It provides a solid surface for the existence of ecosystems, and its geological processes, such as the carbon cycle, influence the planet's climate and atmosphere.