Maakoorte

Maakoorte is a term referring to the outermost solid shell of a rocky planet, dwarf planet, or natural satellite. On Earth, it is the thinnest part of the planet's active, rocky layer. The maakoorte is divided into two main types: oceanic and continental. Oceanic maakoorte is thinner and denser, typically found beneath the oceans, and is primarily composed of basalt. Continental maakoorte is thicker and less dense, forming the landmasses of the planet, and is predominantly made of granitic rocks.

The maakoorte is not a single, unbroken shell but is instead broken into several pieces called tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, a layer of the Earth's mantle beneath the maakoorte. The movement of these tectonic plates is responsible for various geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation. The composition and thickness of the maakoorte vary significantly across different celestial bodies, reflecting their formation and geological history. Studying maakoorte provides crucial insights into planetary evolution and the processes that shape planetary surfaces.