Convection in the Earth's Mantle
Explore the process of convection within the Earth's mantle and its role in plate tectonics.
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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.
1. What is the primary source of heat that drives convection currents in the Earth's mantle?
Solar radiation
Heat from the Earth's core and radioactive decay
Volcanic eruptions
Ocean currents
2. Which of the following best describes the material of the Earth's mantle?
Completely liquid rock
Rigid, solid rock
A viscous, flowing solid
Gaseous plasma
1. Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of a .
2. Hot material in the mantle and cooler material .
3. The movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface is primarily driven by currents in the mantle.
1. Describe how a convection current works within the Earth's mantle.
2. How does the process of mantle convection relate to the movement of Earth's tectonic plates?
Observe the diagram of Earth's layers and answer the questions below.
1. Which layer of the Earth is experiencing convection currents?
2. Based on the diagram, would you expect the temperature to be higher at the top or bottom of the mantle?
1. Convection currents only occur in liquids.
True
False
2. The Earth's crust is directly involved in generating convection currents.
True
False