Correct Answer: Option A) 1 & 2
Statement 1: The mantle contributes more to Earth's volume than its mass.This statement is correct. The mantle makes up about 84% of Earth's volume but only about 67% of its mass. This is because the mantle is less dense than the core. The core, despite being smaller in volume, is much denser due to its iron-nickel composition, contributing significantly more to Earth's total mass relative to its volume.
Statement 2: The lithosphere includes the uppermost mantle and the crust.This statement is correct. The lithosphere is the rigid outermost layer of Earth that includes both the entire crust and the uppermost portion of the mantle. It extends to depths of about 100-200 km and behaves as a single rigid unit that moves as tectonic plates.
Statement 3: The asthenosphere lies above the lithosphere and is a rigid zone.This statement is incorrect. The asthenosphere actually lies below the lithosphere, not above it. Additionally, the asthenosphere is not rigid - it's a semi-molten, plastic layer in the upper mantle that allows the lithospheric plates to move over it. Its plastic nature is what enables plate tectonics.
