The Lithosphere

The lithosphere is Earth's outermost layer, comprising the crust and the upper part of the mantle. It is solid, relatively rigid, and divided into large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates constantly move on the semi-fluid layer beneath, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. The lithosphere supports all landforms, ecosystems, and human activities on Earth's surface. Its interactions with the deeper layers of Earth drive many geological processes that shape our planet's surface over time.