What is the term for the crust and upper mantle of the Earth?

The term for the crust and upper mantle of the Earth is the lithosphere. This layer includes the rigid outermost part of the Earth, which encompasses the continental and oceanic crusts as well as the uppermost part of the mantle that behaves in a rigid manner. The lithosphere is important in geology and plate tectonics as it is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact with one another at their boundaries.

In contrast, the asthenosphere, while also a part of the upper mantle, is characterized by its semi-fluid properties, allowing for the movement of tectonic plates above it. The hydrosphere refers to all water components on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The atmosphere consists of the gases surrounding the planet, vital for supporting life, but does not include any geological aspects of the Earth's structure. Understanding these terms and their definitions is crucial for grasping Earth's geology and its dynamic processes.