The asthenosphere (from Ancient Greek ἀσθενός (asthenós) 'without strength') is the mechanically weak [1] and ductile region of the upper mantle of Earth. It lies below the lithosphere, at a depth between c. 80 and 200 km (50 and 120 mi) below the surface, and extends as deep as 700 km (430 mi).

Jan 13, 2025 · asthenosphere, zone of Earth’s mantle lying beneath the lithosphere and believed to be much hotter and more fluid than the lithosphere. The asthenosphere extends from about 100 km (60 miles) to about 700 km (450 miles) below Earth’s surface.

What is the Asthenosphere? The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer located in the upper part of the Earth’s mantle, situated beneath the lithosphere. It plays a crucial role in plate tectonics, as its partially molten and ductile nature allows for the movement of tectonic plates above it.

Nov 27, 2023 · What is the asthenosphere? The asthenosphere (weak sphere) is a hotter, ductile, mechanically weaker layer beneath the lithosphere. It starts at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) and goes to a depth of about 700 km (431 mi) below the surface.

Jun 11, 2018 · The asthenosphere is the ductile layer situated beneath Earth ’ s rigid lithosphere. It was first named in 1914 by the British geologist Joseph Barrell, who divided Earth ’ s overall structure into three major sections: the lithosphere, or outer layer of rock-like material; the asthenosphere; and the centrosphere, or central part of the planet.

Sep 21, 2023 · The asthenosphere is a hot, semi-fluid layer inside the Earth’s mantle. It lies beneath the rigid lithosphere, extending from approximately 100 to 700 kilometers (62 to 435 miles) below the Earth’s...

Jul 14, 2024 · Beneath Earth's solid outer layer, known as the lithosphere, lies a highly viscous and mechanically weak region called the asthenosphere. This layer plays a crucial role in plate tectonics and the movement of continents.

Dec 18, 2023 · The asthenosphere is a layer of the upper mantle of Earth located below the lithosphere. Despite the great difficulty in accessing the various layers of the Earth, the geographical sciences have allowed us insight into the different layers which make up the Earth.

What is the asthenosphere? The asthenosphere is the top of the Earth's mantle located below the lithosphere. It consists of solid and semi-fused materials that allow the continental drift development and the isostasy’s. There are tectonic plates on it that are in constant movement and work by means of a convection system.

Some observers have described the asthenosphere as the 'lubricating oil' that permits the movement of plates in the lithosphere. Others view the asthenosphere as the driving force or means of conveyance for the plates.