Before comparing and contrasting these layers of Earth, we first define what lithosphere and asthenosphere are.
Lithosphere primarily consists of the outermost layers of the Earth, which are the crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle. Simply, the ground you stepped on is part of earth's lithosphere. On the other hand, asthenosphere comprises of hot and partially molten rock just located at the upper portion of the mantle but just below the lithosphere. Both have similarities and differences, which are as follows:
SIMILARITIES:
- Both are the passageways of earthquakes P-waves (Primary waves) just before it reaches the earth's surface.
- Both are made of the same material (Silicon oxide rocks, which are rich in iron and magnesium)
DIFFERENCES:
- Rocks in lithosphere can bend (it deforms, resulting in fault formations), however, rocks in the asthenosphere, not only bend but also flow (plastic in nature).
- Lithosphere has relatively low temperatures compared to asthenosphere.
- Due to its depth, pressure against rocks in asthenosphere is comparatively higher compared to lithosphere.
