Have you ever thought about how much information we actually have about the layer we live on? Our Earth, which formed about 4.6 billion years ago as a result of a supersonic explosion, is still quite mysterious to us. we live lithosphere Thanks to this layer, we slowly started to unravel this mystery.

We have collected information for you about the lithosphere, which is an integral part of the Earth and guides us. Come firstWhat is the lithosphere layer?Let’s ask the question “?” answer and look at its characteristics.

What is the lithosphere?

Layers with physical and chemical properties are called spheres. These layers are:

• Atmosphere (air atmosphere)
• Biosphere (living sphere)
• Hydrosphere (water sphere) and
• Lithosphere (rock sphere)

The Earth consists of the inner core, the outer core, the mantle and the crust, from inner to outer. lithosphereis the name given to the upper layer of the outer part called the Earth’s crust. It is also called the ‘Stone Globe’. The lithosphere consists of floating plates located above the mantle layer and which have a more fluid character.

The term lithosphere is derived from the Greek words ‘lithos’, meaning stone, and ‘sphaira’, meaning sphere.

The lithosphere does not have the same thickness everywhere on Earth

The lithosphere layer on which we live is a very thin layer. In fact, it takes its place in the literature as the thinnest layer. According to geological studies approximately It can have a thickness of 300 km. However, due to landforms, it is not the same thickness at every point. The lithosphere layer, which is thicker on land parts, thinner on ocean floors It can happen.

Tectonic movements and lithosphere connection

As we said, the lithosphere layer consists of plates. In short, it is not a single piece, and these plate pieces float deep on the more fluid mantle. Therefore tectonic activities is the best-known feature of the lithosphere. Lithospheric plates can move due to thermal energy from the mantle layer. As a result, lithosphere plates can collide, separate or merge with tectonic activities.

Thanks to tectonic movements, we see the mountains, volcanoes and ocean floors in the lithosphere layer. However, it can also cause negativity. Our bleeding wound earthquakes We live in the lithosphere layer as a result of tectonic activities.

At the same time, the lithosphere layer can be formed by tectonic movements. For example, at the points where the plates separate, the lithosphere layer is thinner.

Earth’s oceanic lithosphere is continually thickening

We said that the lithosphere layer on the ocean floor is thin. That’s true, but over time this situation is changing. Some parts of the lithosphere on the ocean floor are thickening. The reason is that the holes formed by the layers moving away from each other tend to become thicker.

Lithosphere discovered more than 100 years ago

The lithosphere entered the literature in 1911. Famous mathematician AEH Love, Some problems of geodynamics He proposed the existence of the lithosphere in his monograph. Subsequently, Joseph Barrell expanded on this idea and introduced the lithosphere into literature. Observation of movements on the lithosphere paved the way for further investigation of tectonic movements. In 1940, Reginald Aldworth Daly explained all the concepts in his book The Power and Structure of the World. Behind tectonic movements a strong lithosphere It quickly became accepted that the concept existed.

Seismic waves provide information about the lithosphere

Although earthquakes negatively affect our lives, as a result of the studies, the lithosphere layer and The interior of the earth It provides a lot of information. Scientists study the movements of seismic waves thanks to the instruments they place in the lithosphere layer. A lot of information is obtained about the composition, temperature and pressure of the layers through which these seismic waves pass.

Compositions of the lithosphere vary

The lithosphere consists of two main rocks, crust and mantle. The components of the lithosphere can be different at each point. For example, soil in the Earth’s crust is a mixture of rock minerals and organic matter. Although the mantle is mainly composed of iron, it also contains magnesium.

Thicker and less dense parts of the lithosphere form continents and oceans

Have you ever thought about how continents and oceans were formed? Igneous rocks rich in magnesium and iron, as well as sedimentary rocks, make up the ocean crust. The crust containing the continents remains higher than the ocean floor due to its thickness and low density. At the same time, basins form on the mantle. When these pools filled with water, today Huge oceans are created. This all happens in the lithosphere.

Some of the ocean crust may be on land

The plates are constantly exposed to tidal movements due to tectonic activities. For this reason, ocean floors can pile up on land. When the continental base and oceanic base collide, the continental base remains on top. It removes the upper layers of the oceanic plate, called ophiolite. Some parts of Cyprus and Marmaris We see such examples in many parts of the world. Moreover, this situation is quite different from other rock layers in terms of natural resources.

In this content ”What is lithosphereWe answered the question “?” and properties of the lithosphere We investigated. Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the topic in the comments.

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