The upper layer of the Earth, including the crust, is called the lithosphere.

Here's a breakdown:

* Crust: The outermost, rocky layer of the Earth. It's relatively thin compared to other layers and is divided into oceanic crust (thinner and denser) and continental crust (thicker and less dense).

* Upper Mantle: The lithosphere also includes the uppermost part of the Earth's mantle, a solid but very hot and deformable layer.

Together, the crust and the upper mantle form the rigid lithosphere, which is broken into large pieces called tectonic plates. These plates move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.