Question

study the image of earth’s layers. which statement correctly compares the thicknesses of earth’s layers? earth’s mantle is thinner than its oceanic crust. earth’s outer core is thicker than its mantle. earth’s continental crust is thicker than its lithosphere. earth’s lithosphere is thinner than its asthenosphere.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option using the image's data:

1. Mantle vs Oceanic Crust: Mantle is much thicker (e.g., upper + lower mantle) than oceanic crust (5 km). So first option is wrong.
2. Outer Core vs Mantle: Mantle (e.g., 2885 km approx) is thicker than outer core (2270 km). Second option is wrong.
3. Continental Crust vs Lithosphere: Continental crust is 30 - 40 km, lithosphere is 100 km. So continental crust is thinner. Third option is wrong.
4. Lithosphere vs Asthenosphere: Lithosphere is 100 km, asthenosphere is 660 km. So lithosphere is thinner. This is correct.

Answer:

Earth’s lithosphere is thinner than its asthenosphere.