Non-lithospheric

Referring to anything *not* associated with the lithosphere. The lithosphere, which is the rigid outermost shell of a planet (or moon), encompassing the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. Therefore, 'non-lithospheric' describes phenomena, processes, or materials occurring *outside* of, or *independent* from, the lithosphere's physical characteristics, composition, and influence. This term is crucial in Earth sciences, planetary geology, and related fields when distinguishing between processes within the solid earth and those occurring in other Earth systems like the atmosphere, hydrosphere, or biosphere.

Non-lithospheric meaning with examples

• Atmospheric phenomena, like cloud formation and weather patterns, are entirely non-lithospheric; they are dictated by the interaction of air masses and solar radiation, processes that occur independently from the Earth's solid shell, the lithosphere.
• The study of marine currents, ocean chemistry, and the evolution of marine life falls under non-lithospheric dynamics, as these oceanic processes and biological activities are not directly influenced by or a direct result of the lithosphere.
• Consider the impact of a volcanic eruption: the ash plume, representing the dispersion of ejected material, is a non-lithospheric consequence as it enters the atmosphere and impacts global climate far beyond the lithospheric point of origin.
• The biosphere, including all living organisms, engages in non-lithospheric exchange: plant photosynthesis drawing from the atmosphere, for instance, a process that operates autonomously from lithospheric characteristics.