Question

List 3 ways that the asthenosphere is different from the lithosphere:​

Answer 1

The lithosphere is rigid and brittle, encompassing the crust and upper mantle, while the asthenosphere is semi-molten and capable of flowing, allowing the lithosphere to move over it, leading to tectonic activity.

The asthenosphere and lithosphere are two layers of the Earth that are differentiated based on their mechanical properties. Here are three key differences between the two:

• The lithosphere is the outermost layer, behaving as a brittle and rigid solid, and encompasses both the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
• The asthenosphere lies beneath the lithosphere and is characterized by its ability to flow, being semi-molten with plastic-like properties.
• While the lithosphere can break under stress, causing earthquakes, the semi-fluid asthenosphere allows for the slow movement of lithospheric plates over it without breaking.

So, these differences help scientists understand the dynamic processes of plate tectonics involving the movements of crustal plates and the causes of seismic activity on Earth.

Answer 2

Lithosphere: Lies beneath the atmosphere and above the asthenosphere


Has a lower density than the asthenosphere

Allows for conductive heat transfer


Asthenosphere: Asthenosphere is denser than the lithosphere


Allows for advective heat transfer