The lithosphere consists of plates that float on the asthenosphere, driven by convection in the mantle.
Plates on the lithosphere float on the
The lithosphere consists of the crust and the rigid, outer portion of the mantle, making up the Earth's outer layer. This lithosphere is divided into plates that float on the asthenosphere, a plastic layer beneath. The movement of these plates is driven by convection in the mantle, forming the basis of the scientific theory of plate tectonics.