SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -Tectonic plates float on the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is immediately below the top layer of Earth’s surface (lithosphere). The layer gets constant heat and radiation from the core of the Earth, which melts the rocks in the layer. The plates are placed on top of these (hot and melted) rocks and float worldwide.

Detailed explanation-2: -Convection cells occur in the asthenosphere So, the lithosphere just floats on top of the asthenosphere. Mantle convection is the mechanism that tears the lithosphere apart. As mantle convection rises, it breaks apart the Earth to form mid-oceanic ridges (tensional force).

Detailed explanation-3: -The correct statement is “The asthenosphere is the upper layer of Earth’s mantle below the lithosphere and is partially molten.”

Detailed explanation-4: -Lithospheric plates (continental and oceanic) above the asthenosphere. Image courtesy of Pete Loader. As temperatures rise with depth, rocks reach temperatures that would cause them to melt if they were at the surface.

Detailed explanation-5: -Asthenosphere and mesosphere are not parts of the Earth’s lithosphere. Instead, they are the parts of the Earth’s mantle. Asthenosphere lies below the lithosphere, and the mesosphere is below it.