Which part of the Earth is made up of the crust and upper mantle?

Study for the Earth Science Standards of Learning Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

Which part of the Earth is made up of the crust and upper mantle?

Explanation:
The lithosphere is the rigid outer shell of Earth, made up of the crust plus the upper part of the mantle. This combination forms the tectonic plates that move as a unit on top of the weaker, more ductile layer below—the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere lies beneath the lithosphere and is not part of the crust; the mesosphere and core are deeper inside and do not include the crust either. So, the portion that includes both crust and upper mantle is the lithosphere.

The lithosphere is the rigid outer shell of Earth, made up of the crust plus the upper part of the mantle. This combination forms the tectonic plates that move as a unit on top of the weaker, more ductile layer below—the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere lies beneath the lithosphere and is not part of the crust; the mesosphere and core are deeper inside and do not include the crust either. So, the portion that includes both crust and upper mantle is the lithosphere.

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