Differentiate between the lithosphere and Asthenosphere.

Difference between Lithosphere and Asthenosphere

• The difference between lithosphere and Asthenosphere pertain to their compositions.

• While lithosphere is hard and rigid, Asthenosphere is a layer made up of molten rocks.

• Lithosphere stretches from the top of the earth’s crust down to first 100 kilometers while Asthenosphere lies beneath lithosphere

• Rocks are under severe pressure in Asthenosphere, whereas they face much less pressure in lithosphere.

• The mineral composition of lithosphere is varied as it contains more than 80 minerals whereas Asthenosphere is mainly comprised of silicates of iron and magnesium.

• The depth of the lithosphere is about 100 kilometers, whereas the depth of Asthenosphere is 400-700 kilometers.

The lithosphere is made up of crust and upper mantle and asthensphere is made up of only the upper mantle