Litosfäär

The lithosphere is the outermost shell of the Earth, comprising the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. The lithosphere is approximately 100 kilometers thick, although this thickness varies depending on the location. The crust, which is the outermost layer, is further divided into oceanic and continental crust. Oceanic crust is thinner and denser, while continental crust is thicker and less dense. The lithosphere is characterized by its rigidity and is the layer where most geological processes, such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, occur. The movement of these tectonic plates is responsible for shaping the Earth's surface over millions of years. The lithosphere plays a crucial role in the Earth's heat budget, as it is the primary means by which heat is lost from the Earth's interior.