Why are the properties of the asthenosphere important? Check all that apply.

Question

The asthenosphere keeps Earth’s crust from getting too hot.
Earth’s plates float on the denser asthenosphere.
The depth of the asthenosphere keeps pressure on Earth’s core.
The asthenosphere allows Earth’s crust to move.
The asthenosphere creates Earth’s magnetic field.

Answer 1

The properties of the asthenosphere are important for the following reasons:

1. Earth’s plates float on the denser asthenosphere. - The asthenosphere provides a semi-fluid layer on which tectonic plates can move. It is less rigid than the lithosphere above it, allowing for the motion of those plates.

2. The asthenosphere allows Earth’s crust to move. - The semi-fluid nature of the asthenosphere facilitates the movement of tectonic plates, which can lead to geological processes such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

The other statements provided are not accurate in relation to the properties of the asthenosphere:

• The asthenosphere does not keep Earth's crust from getting too hot; rather, it is part of the interior structure that, along with the lithosphere and deeper layers, contains heat.

• The depth of the asthenosphere does not directly contribute to keeping pressure on Earth’s core; the pressure is primarily due to the overlying layers of the Earth.

• The asthenosphere does not create Earth’s magnetic field; the magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron and other metals in the outer core.

Therefore, the two correct responses related to the importance of the asthenosphere are:

• Earth’s plates float on the denser asthenosphere.
• The asthenosphere allows Earth’s crust to move.