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Moho
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Figure 25: Cross section of a convergent plate boundary involving a collision between two continental plates near a Himalaya-type mountain chain. Cross-sectional diagram of Earth's outer layers, showing oceanic and continental crust at the surface, the rigid lithosphere, the partially melted asthenosphere, and transitions from upper to lower mantle, with labeled depths and rock properties.
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Or:
Mohorovičić discontinuity
Key People:
Andrija Mohorovičić
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Moho

geology
Also known as: Mohorovičić discontinuity
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History

Moho, boundary between the Earth’s crust and its mantle. The Moho lies at a depth of about 22 mi (35 km) below continents and about 4.5 mi (7 km) beneath the oceanic crust. Modern instruments have determined that the velocity of seismic waves increases rapidly at this boundary. The Moho was named for Andrija Mohorovičić.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.