The lithosphere is divided into two main types and also into large, moving pieces.
Types of Lithosphere
The lithosphere isn't uniform; it consists of two distinct types:
- Oceanic Lithosphere: This type is associated with the crust found beneath the oceans. It's slightly denser than its continental counterpart.
- Continental Lithosphere: This is linked with the landmasses we know as continents.
Tectonic Plates
The lithosphere is not a single continuous shell. Instead, it's broken into massive pieces known as tectonic plates. These plates are constantly moving, albeit very slowly, and their interaction is responsible for a wide range of geological events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.
Key Points Summarized
| Feature | Oceanic Lithosphere | Continental Lithosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Associated with | Oceanic crust | Continental crust |
| Density | Slightly denser | Less dense |
| Division | Part of a tectonic plate | Part of a tectonic plate |
| Relationship to plates | Makes up part of tectonic plates | Makes up part of tectonic plates |
In essence, the lithosphere is fragmented into these shifting plates, which are comprised of either oceanic or continental crust. The division into plates and different types of lithosphere plays a key role in shaping Earth's surface.
