Which of the following best describes the pattern of heat flow through the lithosphere?
a. Heat flows from the Earth's core through the mantle and into the lithosphere, where it is then released at the surface through volcanic activity and geothermal features.
b. Heat is evenly distributed throughout the lithosphere, with no distinct pattern of flow.
c. Heat flows primarily from the crust into the mantle, with minimal flow within the lithosphere itself.
d. Heat flows from the lithosphere into the mantle, creating a pattern of heat transfer that is distinct from the flow of heat within the Earth's core.