asthenospheric

/ˌæsθənəˈsfɛrɪk/
adjective
  1. Relating to the asthenosphere, the semi-fluid layer of the Earth's upper mantle.
    • The heat from asthenospheric convection drives volcanic eruptions in some regions.
    • Geologists use seismic waves to map asthenospheric properties beneath the crust.
    • Asthenospheric flow is a key factor in the movement of tectonic plates.
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