Lithosphere Collection

Western hemisphere of the Earth during the Early Jurassic period
This is how the western hemisphere of the Earth may have appeared 200 million years ago during the Early Jurassic period. North is at the top

Illustration of thrust faulting, causing blocks of crust to stack up above one another

Illustration of collapsed section of the Earths crust forming rift valley

Illustration of folds forming in the Earths crust

Illustration of mountain formation (left) and volcanic activity (right) including erupting stratovol

Illustration of a segment of the Earth, showing mantle, asthenosphere, lithosphere, oceanic crust and continental crust

Illustration of the world today, showing the main lithospheric plates

The GRAIL free-air gravity map of the Moon, rendered on the Moons surface as it floats in front of a starry backdrop (the constellation Hydra)

Cross section of planet Earth showing the inner core, made by solid iron and nickel, with a temperature of 4500A Celsius

View of the Indian subcontinent during the Late Cretaceous period
This is how the Indian subcontinent may have appeared 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. Looking north

The Earth with the center cutaway to reveal its core

A free-air gravity map of the Moons southern latitudes
This still image features a free-air gravity map of the Moons southern latitudes developed from data returned by the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission

The Western Interior Seaway as seen 75 million years ago from Earth orbit
This is how the Western Interior Seaway may have appeared 75 million years ago from Earth orbit. This large inland sea once divided the North American continent into two landmasses

Cross section of planet Earth showing the lower mantle, made by olivine, pyroxene and feldspar. Temperature 1800 - 2800A Celsius

Cross section of planet Earth showing the outer core, made by liquid iron, sulfur, nickel and oxygen. Temperature 3200A Celsius

Cross section of planet Earth showing the upper mantle, made by magnesium, iron, aluminum, silicon and oxygen. Temperature 700 - 1300A Celsius

Planet Earth 600 million years ago following the Cryogenian period
This is how the Earth may have appeared 600 million years ago following the Cryogenian Snowball Earth period. The worldwide glaciers have melted and the ocean is largely liquid again

Iceland tectonic plate zone, artwork C016 / 7687
Iceland tectonic plate zone. Computer artwork showing how the country of Iceland (green) is located right on the junction between the North American (upper left) and Eurasian (lower right)

Continental and oceanic crust, artwork C016 / 3737
Continental and oceanic crust. Cutaway block artwork of the Earths crust (brown) at the edge of a continent. It is thinnest beneath the ocean (far right), thicker beneath the continent (centre)

Lithosphere, artwork. The lithosphere is the solid outermost layer of the Earth. It includes the crust (grey) and the uppermost mantle (orange)

Japans plate tectonics and cyclones. Computer artwork showing cyclones (white spirals) travelling over the islands of Japan and the countrys underlying tectonic plates

Asteroid impact started continental drift. Computer artwork representing the theory that asteroid impacts may have started the process by which the Earths continents move relative to each other

Tectonic plate boundaries, artwork
Tectonic plate boundaries. Artwork showing two types of boundary associated with the formation and destruction of an oceanic section of a tectonic plate

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The lithosphere, a dynamic layer of the Earth's crust and uppermost mantle, is responsible for shaping our planet's landscape. Thrust faulting causes blocks of crust to stack up above one another, creating dramatic geological formations. Similarly, collapsed sections of the Earth's crust form rift valleys, showcasing the immense power beneath our feet. Folds forming in the Earth's crust are a testament to the forces at play within the lithosphere. These folds give rise to majestic mountain ranges while volcanic activity brings forth fiery eruptions from stratovolcanoes. The lithosphere holds within it various layers - mantle, asthenosphere, oceanic and continental crusts - each playing a crucial role in maintaining Earth's equilibrium. As we zoom out to view our world today, we witness how these lithospheric plates interact with one another. The Western hemisphere during the Early Jurassic period reveals an ever-changing landscape shaped by plate tectonics. Even beyond our planet lies evidence of lithospheric dynamics; GRAIL free-air gravity map showcases variations on the Moon’s surface caused by its own unique processes. Back on Earth, rising sea levels reshape coastlines as seen in North America where waters surge 330 feet above average levels. Delving deeper into our planet reveals its core through cross-sections that expose its innermost secrets. Traveling back in time to Late Cretaceous period India subcontinent unveils yet another facet of lithospheric evolution. And finally, cutting away at the center of our planet unravels its core – a mysterious realm hidden from plain sight but essential for sustaining life as we know it.