Lithosphere: Origin, composition, structure, Plate Tectonics, Mantel convection, Crust, and Mantle
The Greek terms lithos, which means “rocky,” and sphaeros, which means “sphere,” are the source of the term “lithosphere.”
There was no atmosphere to retain the heat as the earth cooled. The cold temperature of space caused the surface to cool quickly (much like the top of a coffee cup does when it is exposed to air). As a result, a layer of cool rock formed, which later hardened to form the crust. Oceanic and continental lithospheres were produced as a result of variations in magma and are distinguished by the presence of granite on continents and basalt in seas, respectively.