Lithosphere

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-015904",
  "term": "Lithosphere",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. The lithosphere is the outer solid part of the earth, including the crust and uppermost mantle. The lithosphere is about 100 km thick, although its thickness is age dependent (older lithosphere is thicker). The lithosphere below the crust is brittle enough at some locations to produce earthquakes by faulting, such as within a subducted oceanic plate.\n\n2. The component of the Earth's surface comprising the rock, soil, and sediments. It is a relatively passive component of the climate system, and its physical characteristics are treated as fixed elements in the determination of climate.\n\n3. Solid part of the Earth below the surface, including any ground water contained within it.",
  "references": [
    "USGS Volcanic Hazards Glossary",
    "NASA Earth Observatory Glossary",
    "40 CFR 191.12 (CFR 2018)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/lithosphere/"
}