Chapter 4.4, Problem 11A

Summary Introduction

The difference in the rigidity between the lower mantle and upper core of Earth.

Introduction:

The tectonic plates are defined as “the slabs of lithosphere which generally float independently over the mantle”. These slabs do not overlap each other until volcanoes and mountains are formed. The outermost layer of the Earth is called ‘crust’. The crust is broken into big pieces, known as tectonic plates. The next layer below the crust is known as ‘mantle’. The mantle is a hot liquid which causes the movement of tectonic plates and results in the formation of mountains and volcanoes.