Lithosphere

Lithosphere refers to the solid outer shell of the earth. The name is derived from Greek work lithos meaning rocky. Lithosphere includes the crust and the uppermost mantle, which constitute the hard and rigid outer layer of the Earth. The Lithosphere (or land) covers two-sevenths or 29.22% of the total surface area of the earth. The earth consists of three layers namely: Crust (the outermost layer) Mantle (the intermediary layer) Core (the innermost layer) The crust and the uppermost mantle constitute the Lithosphere.

The Crust
The earth crust can be divided into i.e. oceanic and continental The oceanic crust is different from its continental crust. The oceanic crust is 5 km to 10 km thick The continental crust is typically from 30 km to 50 km thick The density of the rocks in the earths crust ranges from 2.7 to 3 g/cc (grams per cubic centimeter). The density of the oceanic crust is higher than that of the continental crust. The upper part of the crust consists of silica and aluminium in greater proportions and it is called SIAL. Whereas the lower part of the crust is called SIMA because the proportion of silica and magnesium is higher in this part.

The Mantle
The mantle is a highly viscous layer between the crust and the outer core. Earth's mantle is a rocky shell about 2,900 km that constitutes about 84% of Earth's volume Its thickness is about 2900 km and the density of substances in the mantle ranges from 3.0 to 4.7 g/cc. The Asthenosphere is a portion of the upper layer just below the lithosphere that is involved in plate tectonic movement.

The Core
The innermost layer of the earth is Core. Its thickness is about 3400 km. It is divided into two parts-the outer core and the inner ore. The outer core is probably in a liquid state and the inner core in a solid state. The core mainly consists of iron with some amount of nickel and sulphur. After the mantle, earths density goes on to increase rapidly towards its centre is more than 13. The temperature of the central part of the earth may be about 50000 degree Celsius.

Rocks
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The solid parts of the earths crust are called rocks. Most of the rocks are made up of multiple minerals. In the same rock the composition of minerals may differ at different strata. The scientific study of rocks is called petrology Rocks are classified in three main types depending on the process of their formation, the three types of rocks are: Igneous Sedimentary Metamorphic

Igneous rocks
The name Igneous has been derived from Latin word igneus meaning fire. They are formed due to solidification or cooling of lava or magma When the earths surface first became solid after it cooled down from its hot liquid state, the original rocks of the earths crust were formed. They are the Primary Igneous rocks, which are usually not fond today. There are no layers and fossils in Igneous rocks. Rocks formed by the cooling of molten matter beneath the earths surface are called intrusive igneous rocks. Sometimes, the molten matter comes out through cracks in the earths crust and spreads on the surface, forming extrusive igneous rocks.

Sedimentary Rocks
They are formed by the deposition of small pieces of rock and soil in layers one above the other over a period of time. Sedimentary rocks are deposited in layers as strata, forming a structure called bedding. Sometimes, the remains of plants, dead animals etc. are found in the deposited material. Such fossil containing sedimentary rocks are useful for studying life on earth. Total contribution of sedimentary rocks is estimated to be only 8% of the total volume of the crust

Metamorphic Rocks
The sedimentary and igneous rocks change their form under the impact of forces of nature like heat, temperature and pressure. As a result these rocks change their original form and acquire new characteristics. The new form is called metamorphic rock.