Lithosphere

• the lithosphere is the solid outer section of earth that includes the entire earth's crust (continental and oceanic) and the rigid upper mantle
• the lithosphere is not a continuous layer. it is divided into plates that move in relation to one another . the large scale movement of the earth's plates is called plate tectonic theory. and the divided lithosphere rests upon the lower soft layer called asthenosphere
• it is believed that in the beginning, all continents are locked up into a huge landmass called pangaea, as proposed by alfred wegener in his continental drift theory. every year, plates move side ways 12 cm
• there are 15 major plates, 50 plates in the world, and the plate where philippines rests on is called philippne sea plate
• 15 major plates:

  • African plate
  • Antarctic plate
  • Arabian plate
  • Australian plate
  • Caribbean plate
  • Cocos plate
  • Eurasian plate
  • Filipino plate
  • Indian plate
  • Juan de Fuca plate
  • Nazca plate
  • North American plate
  • Pacific plate
  • Scotia plate.
  • South American plate