What is the term for the solid outer layer of the Earth that includes the crust and the upper part of the mantle?

The term for the solid outer layer of the Earth that includes both the crust and the upper part of the mantle is the lithosphere. This layer is characterized by its rigidity and is broken into tectonic plates that float on the more ductile asthenosphere beneath it. The lithosphere plays a crucial role in geological processes such as the movement of earthquakes, volcanic activity, and plate tectonics.

The crust constitutes the Earth's surface layer, while the upper mantle is the portion of the mantle directly beneath the crust. Together, these components form the lithosphere, which is essential for understanding the structure and dynamics of the Earth's outermost layers.