litoszférájának

The lithosphere is the rigid outer part of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle. It is broken into a number of large tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. The term "lithosphere" comes from the Greek word "lithos," meaning "rock."

The lithosphere's thickness varies, averaging about 100 kilometers. It is divided into oceanic lithosphere, which is thinner and denser, and continental lithosphere, which is thicker and less dense. These plates are constantly moving, driven by convection currents within the Earth's mantle. This movement is responsible for phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.

The lithosphere is the layer where all geological processes occur, shaping the Earth's surface over millions of years. It is the foundation for life on Earth, providing the landmasses and seabeds. Understanding the lithosphere is crucial for comprehending the planet's dynamic nature and its geological history. The processes within and on the lithosphere are fundamental to geology and geophysics.