Definitions for "asthenosphere"
Related Terms:
Lithosphere, Tectonic, Isostasy, Mantle plume, Geosphere, Plate, Plate tectonics, Tectonic plates, Tectonic plate, Plates, Crust, Uplift, Tectonics, Isostatic rebound, Mohorovicic discontinuity, Moho , Continental crust, Earthquake, Mantle, Hotspot, Oceanic crust, Subduction, Isostacy, Benioff zone, Rifting, Rift, Epicenter, Subduction zone, Orogeny, Seismic, Microseism, Thrust , Nappe, Thrust fault, Geomorphic, Geophysicist, Fault, Seismologist, Seismic wave, Seismology, Deformation, Suture, Massif, Slide, Geophysics, Plate boundary, Faulting, Outer core, Exosphere
the lower layer of the earth's crust, below the lithosphere. It is estimated as from fifty to several hundred miles thick. It is less rigid than the lithosphere, but still rigid enough to transmit some transverse seismic waves.
A layer of soft but solid, mobile rock comprising the lower part of the upper mantle from about 100 to 350 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface. See also lithosphere.
The weak zone inside Earth directly below the lithosphere, from 10 to 200 km below the surface. Seismic velocities are distinctly lower in the asthenosphere than in adjacent parts of Earth's interior. The material in the asthenosphere is therefore believed to be soft and yielding to plastic flow.
Equivalent to the upper mantle. It is the weak layer of the Earth below the lithosphere. Many magmas are generated in the asthenosphere.
(as-then'-o-sphere) The layer or shell of the Earth below the lithosphere (typically 70 to 100 km down to a depth of 400 km) that deforms ductilely due to its low yield strength, permitting viscous or plastic flow under relatively small stresses. The asthenosphere is that part of the upper mantle in which isostatic adjustments take place, magmas are generated, and seismic waves are strongly attenuated (shortened or damped).
The upper mantle zone directly below the lithosphere from about 70-200 km. The material in this zone is thought to be soft and yielding to plastic flow. Magmas can be generated here.
The layer of the mantle that lies between 100–150 km and 350 km deep; this layer is relatively soft and can flow when acted on by force.
Hot, plastically flowing, and partially molten portion of the upper part of the mantle that theoretically interacts with the lithosphere to cause plate tectonic movement.
A region of the earth that starts at the bottom of the lithosphere and extends to depths of approximately 300 km (180 miles). Conditions of high temperature and intermediate pressure within the asthenosphere lead to this zone being partially molten and relatively soft compared to rocks above and below it.
A portion of the upper mantle that is directly below the lithosphere. A zone of low strength in the upper mantle defines the top of the asthenosphere. This weak zone allows the plates of the lithosphere to slide across the top of the asthenosphere.
The part of the Earth's mantle beneath the lithosphere, which flows (i.e. undergoes plastic deformation) to produce isostatic readjustments as changes in the mass of the lithosphere (above) takes place.
layer of the Earth found 100-500 km below the Earth's surface that yields to persistent stresses more than the rigid crust or the core. Click here to see an image
the partially melted portion of the upper mantle in the earth's interior. Hot magma from the asthenosphere rises out of the sea floor during submarine volcanic eruptions.
region of the mantle below the lithosphere, composed of partially melted rock.
Part of the Earth's mantle that lies below the lithosphere, at depths between about 100 and 350 kilometers. Rock here is relatively soft because its high temperature and relatively low confining pressure enable a small amount of melt to form and lubricate its movement.
The shell within the earth, some tens of kilometers below the surface and of undefined thickness, which is a shell of weakness where plastic movements take place to permit pressure adjustments.
The uppermost layer of the mantle, located below the lithosphere. This zone of soft, easily deformed rock exists at depths of 100 kilometers to as deep as 700 kilometers. more details...
Layer of Earth's interior, just below the lithosphere, over which the surface plates slide.
ultramafic layer of earth lying below the lithosphere; marked by low seismic velocities, suggesting that it is partly molten.
Literally meaning the 'weak sphere', the asthenosphere is a zone within the upper part of the mantle where the rocks are partially molten (possibly around 5%) and are therefore slushy. The weakness of this layer allows lithospheric plates to move relative to the inner parts of the Earth
Greek "weak zone" A zone, which can be found below the earth's crust in about 750—800 kilometres depth.
A zone of partial melting within Earth's upper mantle, upon which the rigid lithospheric plates can move.
The ductile part of the earth just below the lithosphere, including the lower mantle. The asthenosphere is about 180 km thick.
The asthenosphere (also spelled aesthenosphere) is a part of the Earth's upper mantle that exhibits plastic properties. It is located below the lithosphere (the crust and upper mantle), between about 100 and 250 kilometers deep.
the layer in the Earth below the lithosphere that is weak, probably due to the presence of some molten material. It is this weak layer that allows the tectonic plates to move.
The layer of the earth below the lithosphere beginning at a depth of 60 miles (100 km) and extending to a depth of about 580 miles (350 km). The asthenosphere is a weak layer and it may be where melts are generated.
the hot top part of the earth's mantle, just under the crust
The layer below the lithosphere that is marked by low seismic-wave velocities and high seismic-wave attenuation.
A relatively weak layer in the mantle immediately below the lithosphere.
The asthenosphere (from an invented Greek a + sthenos "without strength") is the region of the Earth between 100-200 km below the surface — but perhaps extending as deep as 400 km — that is the weak or "soft" zone in the upper mantle. It lies just below the lithosphere, which is involved in plate movements and isostatic adjustments. In spite of its heat, pressures keep it plastic, and it has a relatively low density.