Influence of astronomical factors on the dynamics of lithospheric plates

We suggest the concept of the Earth’s lithosphere as a geocosmic system of mobile lithospheric plates affected by both external astronomical influences (solar radiation, tides) and planetary factors—the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and mantle convection. The annual period in seismicity is shown to have a clear cosmic origin related to the seasonal periodicity of solar radiation in the northern and southern hemispheres. The atmosphere can act as a transmitter of the annual periodicity to the lithospheric plates. The formulated concept of the lithosphere has led us to put forward testable hypotheses about the dynamical atmospherelithosphere relationship. These hypotheses form the basis for the next program of research on the Earth’s lithosphere as a geocosmic system.