Asthenosphere
Asthenosphere
The Asthenosphere (pronounced as-THEN-o-sphere) is a part of the Earth's crust and Upper mantle that lies beneath the Lithosphere. It is characterized by its semi-fluid, or "plastic" properties, which allow for the movement of Tectonic plates above it.
Etymology
The term "Asthenosphere" comes from the Greek words "asthenēs," meaning weak, and "sphaira," meaning sphere. This refers to the relatively low mechanical strength of this layer of the Earth's interior.
Description
The Asthenosphere is located approximately 80 to 200 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface. It extends to a depth of about 700 kilometers. The Asthenosphere is composed primarily of Silicate minerals, which are capable of flowing slowly over geological time scales. This flow allows the rigid lithosphere to move over it.
Role in Plate Tectonics
The Asthenosphere plays a crucial role in Plate tectonics. The semi-fluid nature of the Asthenosphere allows the tectonic plates of the lithosphere to move over it. This movement is responsible for the creation of earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain ranges.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Asthenosphere
- Wikipedia's article - Asthenosphere
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