Which of the following statements apply to the asthenosphere, but not the lithosphere?
A)deforms mainly by brittle fracturing and faulting
B)zone in the upper mantle that deforms by plastic flowage
C)cool, rigid layer of crust and upper mantle that forms the tectonic plates
D)partial melting of rising granitic plumes produces huge volumes of basaltic magma

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The asthenosphere is the zone in the upper mantle that deforms by plastic flowage, while the lithosphere is the cool, rigid layer of crust and upper mantle that forms the tectonic plates. Choice A is incorrect because brittle fracturing and faulting occur mainly in the lithosphere. Choice D is also incorrect because partial melting of rising granitic plumes producing huge volumes of basaltic magma occurs in the mantle, but not specifically in the asthenosphere.

Which of the Following Statements Apply to the Asthenosphere, but Not