Agroup of scientists decide to post their results on the internet instead of publishing in a scientific journal. what part of the scientific process have they skipped and why does it matter?

Explanation:

While carrying out a research, the scientists are not supposed to upload their results directly on the internet. If the research work is noble then the scientists should get their research paper published because scientific journals helps other researchers in their finding.

The authenticity of the work is maintained while publishing a journal. It also keeps in account about the author of the research and prevents other scientists to publish the same content. A journal is accessible to everyone.

c. earths continental crust is thicker than its lithosphere.

because, the lithosphere is the outermost layer of the earth/ 100 km thick and is defined by its machanical properties.the lithosphere contains oceanic and continental crust that varies in age and thickness across locations and geologic time. the lithosphere is the coolest layer of the earth in terms of temperature. the term lithosphere should not be confused with the use of "geosphere" which is used to indicate all of earth systems, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere   and biosphere. the surface of the earth can be divided into the continental crust and the oceanic crust.   the continental crust is made mostly of granite while the oceanic crust is made of basalt. the average thickness of the continental crust is 25 miles and the average thickness of the oceanic crust is 5 miles.   three types of rock, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, make up the surface of the earth. that's why 3 option is preferable.