Question

what do you think is the basis of scientist in dividing earths lithosphere into several plates

Answer 1

The basis of the scientist in dividing the Earth's lithosphere into several segments called plates is the distribution of earthquake epicenters, location of volcanoes, and formation of mountain ranges. All of this geological features that are formed because of plate movement.

Answer 2

Answer:

The lithosphere is divided into several plates on the basis of the idea that the heat from the mantle makes the rocks at the bottom of the lithosphere turn slightly soft. Thus, it results in the plates gliding over the Earth’s rocky inner layer above the mantle.

Explanation:

To understand the answer we need to know about the lithosphere and its division into plates.

What is the lithosphere?

The lithosphere is the outer part of the Earth. it is solid and includes the brittle upper portion of the mantle and the crust. There are mainly two types of lithosphere:-

1. Oceanic lithosphere
2. Continental lithosphere

What are tectonic plates?

The lithosphere is divided into plates or slabs called tectonic plates.

These plates lie on top of a partially molten layer of rock above the mantle called the asthenosphere. Due to the thermal energy from the mantle, the plates move relative to each other at different rates. This movement is responsible for some of Earth's geologic events like earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain-building, and deep ocean trenches.