Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Earth's interior?
1. The lithosphere includes both the crust and the uppermost solid part of the mantle.
2. The asthenosphere is a highly viscous layer on which tectonic plates float.
3. The inner core is believed to be in a liquid state due to extremely high temperatures.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Earth's interior?
1. The lithosphere includes both the crust and the uppermost solid part of the mantle.
2. The asthenosphere is a highly viscous layer on which tectonic plates float.
3. The inner core is believed to be in a liquid state due to extremely high temperatures.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: The lithosphere is the rigid outermost shell of the Earth, encompassing both the crust and the uppermost, solid part of the mantle.

Statement 2 is correct: The asthenosphere is a partially molten layer below the lithosphere. Its plasticity allows the lithospheric plates to move and interact, driving plate tectonics.

Statement 3 is not correct: The inner core is believed to be in a solid state, despite the extremely high temperatures and pressures. It's primarily composed of iron and nickel.

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E Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Earth's interior? 1. The lithosphere includes both the crust and the uppermost solid part of the mantle. 2. The asthenosphere is a highly viscous layer on which tectonic plates float. 3. The inner core is believed to be in a liquid state due to extremely high temperatures. Select the correct answer using the codes below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3