Abstract
This chapter introduces the composition and the basic physical features, namely seismic wave velocity and discontinuities, density and elastic properties, of the lithosphere and underlying asthenosphere . It is shown how the lithospheric thickness can be inferred from the elevation of the Earth’s surface in regions in isostatic equilibrium. The fundamentals of global tectonics, the mechanisms which provide the energy dissipated in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and orogenesis, and the forces which act on the plates are also briefly outlined.
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Pasquale, V., Verdoya, M., Chiozzi, P. (2017). Lithosphere Structure and Dynamics. In: Geothermics. SpringerBriefs in Earth Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52084-1_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52084-1_1
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