Convection in the Earth's Mantle
Explore the process of convection within the Earth's mantle and its role in plate tectonics. This worksheet covers key concepts, definitions, and the impact of mantle convection.
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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. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.
1. The transfer of heat through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas) is known as .
2. The Earth's mantle is primarily composed of solid rock, but it behaves like a very viscous fluid over geological timescales due to and pressure.
3. Hotter, less dense material in the mantle tends to , while cooler, denser material tends to sink.
4. Mantle convection is the driving force behind , which explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
5. Which layer of the Earth is directly above the mantle?
Outer Core
Inner Core
Crust
Atmosphere
6. What is the primary source of heat that drives mantle convection?
Solar radiation
Volcanic eruptions
Radioactive decay within the Earth's interior
Ocean currents
7. Briefly describe the process of mantle convection.
8. Looking at the diagram of Earth's layers, identify the layer where mantle convection occurs and explain how it influences the layer above it.
9. Convection currents in the mantle are responsible for the formation of mountain ranges and ocean trenches.
True
False
10. The asthenosphere is a rigid, immobile layer within the mantle.
True
False
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