Plate Tectonics Questions Medium
The asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth's upper mantle located beneath the lithosphere. It is a partially molten and ductile region composed of solid rock that behaves like a plastic material. The asthenosphere is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates. It is characterized by its relatively low viscosity and high temperature, allowing it to flow slowly over long periods of time. This flow of the asthenosphere is what drives the movement of the lithospheric plates, leading to various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.