The lithosphere is Earth's outermost layer, composed of the crust and the upper part of the mantle. The layer is divided into chunks called tectonic plates.

Crust and lithospheric mantle—the thinnest and thickest layers of the Earth's lithosphere—and a wide range of dynamic processes that deform them can be studied by using high precision geodetic ...

Virtual modeling indicates Venusian pancake domes likely form due to an elastic lithosphere and the eruption of dense lava. The elastic crust enables gradual dome formation, while dense lava and ...