Chapter 4, Problem 1RQ

To determine

The characteristics of a lithosphere plate.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The lithosphere is the rocky outer shell of Earth that is relatively cool and rigid when compared to the underlying mantle material, the hotter, weaker asthenosphere. The lithosphere consists of the crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle.

Explanation of Solution

Lithosphere is the rigid rocky portion of the Earth. It is relatively hard as it bends or breaks when force is applied. Lithosphere is relatively cool when compared to the underlying hot and plastic mantle material, asthenosphere. Earth’s lithosphere is divided into 20 plates that are called lithospheric plates or simply plates. 12 major plates contain larger surface area, and the relatively smaller plates are called microplates. The lithosphere consists of the crust and the uppermost part of mantle. It is thicker beneath continents than beneath oceans.