asthenosphere

noun

Pronunciation: /æsˈθiːnəˌsfɪər/

Definition

The highly viscous, mechanically weak, and ductile region of the upper mantle of the Earth.

Examples

• The movement of tectonic plates is driven by convection currents circulating within the asthenosphere.

• Because the asthenosphere is partially molten, it allows the overlying lithosphere to glide across its surface.

• Seismic waves slow down significantly as they pass through the asthenosphere due to its semi-plastic consistency.

Synonyms of asthenosphere

Words with a similar meaning to asthenosphere:

• mantle
• upper mantle
• plastic layer
• ductile zone

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary