lithosphere

[/ˈlɪθəsˌfɪr/]
nounfemininepl: lithospheres
litosfera
1. The rigid outer layer of the Earth consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle
The lithosphere is divided into several tectonic plates that constantly move.
A litosfera é dividida em várias placas tectônicas que se movem constantemente.
2. The solid, rocky outer shell of a terrestrial planet or moon
Scientists study the lithosphere to understand earthquake patterns.
Os cientistas estudam a litosfera para entender os padrões de terremotos.
The term 'lithosphere' is universally used in geological and environmental sciences education across both Brazil and the United States. It is fundamental to Earth science curricula and is used without regional variation in academic contexts. The concept became prominent in the 1960s with the plate tectonics revolution.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
crustouter shellrocky layer
Antonyms / Antônimos
atmospherehydrosphere

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
litosfera
Standard academic and scientific usage
Portugal
litosfera
Identical usage in European Portuguese; common in geological education

Related Words

plate tectonicsmantlecrustasthenospheregeospheretectonics

Related Idioms & Phrases

plate tectonics of the lithosphere
lithospheric dynamics
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