Question

The lithosphere includes
A. Asthenosphere and mesosphere
B. Crust and uppermost, rigid mantle
C. Outer core and Lower mantle
D. Outer core and inner core

Answer 1

Hint: It is the outermost layer of the Earth. It is a rigid, solid layer. Another clue would be to look at the meaning of the term 'lithosphere'

Complete answer:
The Earth is divided into many different layers. They are the crust, mantle and core. These divisions are on the basis of the minerals contained and the chemical composition of each of these layers. The lithosphere is defined as the outermost and rigid layer of the terrestrial planets. Let us now see which of the layers of the Earth are included as the lithosphere.-

A. 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. Thus, this is not the correct answer.

B. Crust and uppermost, rigid mantle together make the lithosphere. The uppermost part of the mantle is solid, unlike the rest of it. So this top layer of the mantle, along with the rocky crust are the lithosphere. So this is the correct answer.

C. Outer core and Lower mantle are not the lithosphere. The outer core of the Earth is liquid and the lower mantle too is similar. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.

D. Outer core and inner core are not the lithosphere. They together constitute the core of the Earth, which is its innermost part. So, this answer is also incorrect.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

Note:
i) Lithosphere comes from the ancient Greek words 'lithos' meaning 'rocks' and 'sphaira' which leads to the word 'sphere'.
ii) The mantle of the Earth has alternating liquid and solid layers which vary in their properties because of the pressure and heat.
iii) Though the outer core of the Earth is liquid because of the high temperature, the inner core is solid because of the extreme pressure.
iv) The lithosphere, along with the lower atmosphere and hydrosphere constitute the total part of the Earth where life is found.