3:34 64 Answer Saved Question 14 ABG Which layers of the Earth make up the solid rigid layer of rock that contains the plates that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions? A. the inner and outer core B. the atmosphere and crust C. the lower mantle and outer core D. the crust and upper mantel © 2025 Renaissance Learning, Inc. All right ! testing.illuminateed.co

The **correct answer is D. the crust and upper mantle**. ### Explanation: The Earth's structure is divided into several layers, each with distinct properties: 1. **Crust**: This is the outermost solid layer of the Earth. It's relatively thin compared to the other layers and comes in two types: - **Continental Crust**: Thicker and less dense. - **Oceanic Crust**: Thinner and denser. 2. **Upper Mantle**: Directly beneath the crust, the upper mantle is also solid but behaves in a rigid manner on short timescales. Together with the crust, it forms the **lithosphere**. 3. **Lithosphere**: This rigid layer includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is broken into tectonic plates, which float on the semi-fluid **asthenosphere** below. Movements of these plates are responsible for causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the creation of mountain ranges. The other options are incorrect because: - **A. the inner and outer core**: The inner core is solid, and the outer core is liquid, neither of which participates directly in plate tectonics. - **B. the atmosphere and crust**: The atmosphere is a gaseous layer surrounding the Earth and is unrelated to tectonic plate movements. - **C. the lower mantle and outer core**: The lower mantle is semi-solid and flows over geological timescales, and the outer core is liquid. Neither constitutes the rigid layer responsible for tectonic activity. ### Final Answer: **D. the crust and upper mantel**