Question

which layer of the earth pictured above is broken up into plates that flow very slowly because convection currents? this slow tectonics, a process associated with continental drift, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of mountains.
a inner core
b outer core
c asthenosphere
d lithosphere

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A (inner core): It's solid, not broken into plates or involved in plate tectonics.
• Option B (outer core): It's liquid, not related to plate movement.
• Option C (asthenosphere): It's part of the mantle, ductile, and convection currents here drive plate movement, but it's not the layer broken into plates.
• Option D (lithosphere): It includes the crust and upper mantle, is broken into tectonic plates, and these plates move slowly due to convection currents in the asthenosphere, related to continental drift, earthquakes, etc.

Answer:

D. lithosphere