Convection in the Earth's Mantle
Explore the process of convection within the Earth's mantle and its role in plate tectonics with this Grade 10 science worksheet.
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Convection in the Earth's Mantle
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the diagram of Earth's layers when necessary.
Refer to the diagram below for questions 1-3.
1. Which layer of the Earth is primarily responsible for convection currents that drive plate tectonics?
Crust
Outer Core
Mantle
Inner Core
2. What is the primary heat source driving convection in the Earth's mantle?
Solar radiation
Radioactive decay
Ocean currents
Volcanic eruptions
3. Convection currents occur when hotter, less dense material in the mantle and cooler, denser material .
4. The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle, is called the .
5. The asthenosphere is a solid, rigid layer of the mantle that does not flow.
True
False
6. Explain how convection currents in the mantle contribute to the movement of tectonic plates. (3 points)
7. Describe the difference between slab pull and ridge push, and how both mechanisms are related to mantle convection. (4 points)