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. Use the provided diagram to help you visualize the processes described.
Observe the diagram below illustrating the layers of the Earth.
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 source of heat that drives convection in the Earth's mantle?
Solar radiation
Chemical reactions in the crust
Radioactive decay and residual heat from formation
Volcanic eruptions
3. Convection occurs when hotter, less dense material and cooler, denser material .
4. The movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface is primarily driven by within the mantle.
5. The Earth's mantle is a completely liquid layer.
True
False
6. Convection cells in the mantle can cause both divergent and convergent plate boundaries.
True
False
7. Briefly explain how convection currents in the mantle contribute to the movement of tectonic plates.
8. Describe the difference in density and temperature between the rising and sinking parts of a mantle convection cell.
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