asthenosphere etymology

Etymology

The term "asthenosphere" is derived from two Greek words:

  • "astheno-," meaning "weak" or "powerless"
  • "-sphere," meaning "sphere" or "layer"

Meaning and Origin

The asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth's mantle located below the rigid lithosphere and above the solid mesosphere. It is characterized by its:

  • Weak and ductile properties: The rocks in the asthenosphere are partially molten and can deform easily under stress.
  • Low seismic velocity: Seismic waves travel slower through the asthenosphere due to its weaker material.

The concept of the asthenosphere was first proposed by the American geophysicist Reginald Daly in 1914. Daly suggested that this layer of the mantle could be the source of the Earth's volcanoes and mountain ranges.

The existence of the asthenosphere has been confirmed by various geophysical observations, including:

  • The behavior of seismic waves
  • The flow of mantle material at plate boundaries
  • The uplift of certain regions of the Earth's crust

asthenosphere relate terms

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  • asthenia

    Etymology Greek asthenes ἀσθενής meaning weak powerless From the root

  • asthenosphere

    Etymology The term asthenosphere is derived from two Greek words astheno meaning

  • cachectic

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  • schema

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  • schematic

    Etymology Schematic comes from the Greek word schema meaning form outline or

  • scheme

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  • scholar

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  • scholastic

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  • school

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    Etymology Germanic Old High German Sigifrid Composed of two elements Meaning Vi

  • layer

    Etymology Origin Old English leger meaning a stratum or bed Proto Germanic lagriz m

  • relay

    Etymology Old French relais Medieval Latin relaxare to loosen slacken relax M

  • crust

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  • recreation

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  • speed

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  • phenomenon

    Etymology Greek phainomenon Phainein to appear Meaning A natural occurrence