In which layer of the earth do natural earthquakes occur?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC GD Constable (2022) Official Paper (Held On : 30 Jan 2023 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Lithosphere.Key Points

Natural earthquakes occur in the lithosphere, which is the outermost layer of the earth.
It includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.
The lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move around on the asthenosphere, which is a more fluid layer beneath it.
The movement of these plates creates stress on the rocks, which can cause them to break and release energy in the form of earthquakes.
The lithosphere is also where most of the volcanic activity on earth occurs, as magma rises up from the mantle and reaches the surface through cracks in the crust.
The inner core is a solid, dense ball of iron and nickel at the center of the earth.
It is too deep and too hot for earthquakes to occur there.
The mesosphere is the layer beneath the lithosphere, and it is too solid for earthquakes to occur there as well.

Additional Information

The asthenosphere is a plastic layer beneath the lithosphere, where the rocks are partially molten and can flow.
- It plays a key role in plate tectonics and the movement of the earth's crust.
The inner core is the hottest part of the earth, with temperatures estimated to be as high as 5,500 degrees Celsius.
- It is also under immense pressure, which keeps it solid despite the high temperatures.
The mesosphere is a relatively unknown layer of the earth, as it is difficult to study due to its depth and lack of seismic activity.
- It is thought to be a transition zone between the rigid lithosphere and the more fluid asthenosphere.