Plate tectonic system Flashcards
1
Q
What are the three parts of the plate tectonic system
A
Lithosphere
Asthenosphere
Deeper mantle
2
Q
What is the lithosphere?
A
The rigid outer shell of the earth which is broken up into plates. Includes crust and uppermost mantle. Varies in thickness. Lithosphere is thinner in oceans
3
Q
What is the asthenosphere?
A
Weak, ductile, partially melted (only a few % melt) layer beneath the lithosphere
Deforms to accommodate the overlying plates
4
Q
What is in the deeper mantle?
A
Source of mantle plumes?
Slab graveyard?
Control on mantle convection?
Interactions with outer core?
