Lithosphere

The lithosphere is the solid, outer layer of a planet or moon. On Earth, it includes the very top part of the planet called the crust and a part of the layer just below it called the mantle. These parts act together like a hard shell that stays strong over long periods of time.

This outer shell is very important because it is where we live, and it helps shape the planet's surface. The lithosphere moves slowly, which causes things like mountains to form and earthquakes to happen. It is made of rocks and minerals that scientists study to learn more about our planet.

Earth's lithosphere

Earth's lithosphere is the tough, outer layer of our planet. It includes the Earth's crust — the thin outer skin — and the very top part of the mantle, called the lithospheric mantle. Below the lithosphere lies the asthenosphere, a hotter, softer layer that can flow slowly.

Scientists divide the lithosphere into pieces called tectonic plates. These plates slowly move around, shaping the Earth's surface over millions of years. There are two main types of lithosphere: oceanic and continental. Oceanic lithosphere is found under the oceans and is denser, while continental lithosphere is found under the continents and is lighter and thicker.

Mantle xenoliths

Scientists study the deep layers of Earth by looking at pieces called xenoliths. These pieces are brought up by special types of volcanoes, such as kimberlite, lamproite, and other volcanic pipes. By studying these pieces, especially looking at certain elements like osmium and rhenium, scientists have found that some parts of Earth's layer have stayed the same for over 3 billion years, even though the Earth's layers move around.

Microorganisms

The upper part of the lithosphere is a big home for tiny living things called microorganisms. Some of these microorganisms can be found more than 4.8 kilometres, or about 3 miles, below the Earth’s surface.