asthenosphere

[ as-then-uh-sfeer ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the region below the lithosphere, variously estimated as being from fifty to several hundred miles (eighty-five to several hundred kilometers) thick, in which the rock is less rigid than that above and below but rigid enough to transmit transverse seismic waves.

asthenosphere

/ əsˈθiːnəˌsfɪə; -ˈθɛn- /

noun

1. a thin semifluid layer of the earth (100–200 km thick), below the outer rigid lithosphere, forming part of the mantle and thought to be able to flow vertically and horizontally, enabling sections of lithosphere to subside, rise, and undergo lateral movement See also isostasy

asthenosphere

/ ăs-thĕn′ə-sfîr′ /

1. The upper part of the Earth's mantle, extending from a depth of about 75 km (46.5 mi) to about 200 km (124 mi). The asthenosphere lies beneath the lithosphere and consists of partially molten rock. Seismic waves passing through this layer are significantly slowed. Isostatic adjustments (the depression or uplift of continents by buoyancy) take place in the asthenosphere, and magma is believed to be generated there.
2. Compare atmosphere

Word History and Origins

Origin of asthenosphere¹

First recorded in 1910–15; from Greek asthen(ḗs) “frail, weak, sickly” + -o- + -sphere; asthenia

Word History and Origins

Origin of asthenosphere¹

C20: from astheno-, from Greek asthenēs weak + sphere

Example Sentences

"We experimentally determined the seismic wave attenuation characteristics, parameters for ascertaining the softness of the lithosphere and asthenosphere, under high temperature and pressure using our short-period oscillation generation technology," explains Prof. Yoshino.

From Science Daily

Roughly 90 percent of quakes on Earth are produced by the movement of tectonic plates, massive slabs of the planet’s lithosphere that slide around atop the semisolid asthenosphere layer and occasionally bump into one another.

From Scientific American

To say that the lithosphere floats on top of the asthenosphere suggests a degree of easy buoyancy that isn’t quite right.

From Literature

Rheological differences between Earth's lithosphere and asthenosphere help drive plate tectonics.

From Science Magazine

A model that doesn't consider the asthenosphere would show the Orangeburg Scarp sinking.

From Science Magazine