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A gradient is another way of describing rate of change. In this case it's temperature per unit distance.

A very simplified estimate of the geothermal gradient of the earth could therefore be made based on the difference in temperature at the earth's core and surface divided by the radius of the earth.

Temperature at Earth's core = 7300 K

Temperature at surface = 283 K

Change in temperature from surface to centre of core = 7300 - 273 = 7027 K

Radius of Earth = 6,378.1 km.

7027 / 6378.1 = 1.1 K/km

In other words using this very very simplified estimate the temperature increases by 1.1 K for every 1000m further you travel into the ground.

NB: The actual geothermal gradient will vary with depth and will be significantly more complex then that quoted here!

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What is the geothermal gradient in the Earth's continental crust?

The geothermal gradient in the Earth's continental crust typically ranges from about 20 to 30°C per kilometer depth. This means the temperature increases by 20-30°C for every kilometer you go deeper into the Earth's continental crust.


Is the geothermal gradient associated with divergent plate boundaries greater than the gradient associated with subduction zones?

The geothermal gradient associated with divergent plate boundaries is typically lower than the gradient at subduction zones. This is because at divergent boundaries, the crust is thinning and heat can more easily escape from the mantle, while at subduction zones, the subducted plate can carry heat deeper into the Earth, increasing the geothermal gradient.


The increase in temperature with depth in the Earth is called what?

It is called the geothermal gradient, which means that the closer to the mantel or core (underground) you go, the hotter it gets.


What causes the geothermal gradient?

The geothermal gradient is caused by the heat emanating from Earth's interior. It increases as you go deeper into the Earth's crust and upper mantle due to the combination of radioactive decay of elements, residual heat from planetary formation, and the insulating effect of Earth's layers trapping heat.


How hot is the outer crust?

Check your thermometer. That's how hot it is on the outer crust where you are. There exists a geothermal gradient where temperature rises with depth from the surface. See the link below.

Related Questions

Does NC typically have a steep shallow or intermediate geothermal gradient?

North Carolina has an intermediate geothermal gradient!


The geothermal is about 25C for every 1km of depth below Earths surface?

Geothermal gradient refers to the increase in temperature with depth below the Earth's surface. On average, the geothermal gradient is about 25-30°C per kilometer. This gradient varies depending on factors like location and geologic conditions.


What is geothermal gradient?

Geothermal gradient is the rate of increasing temperature with respect to an increasing depth in the Earth's interior. It is approximately 25 degrees Celsius per kilometer of depth.


What is the term for the increase in temperature with depth in the Earth?

The term for the increase in temperature with depth in the Earth is called geothermal gradient. This gradient is typically around 25-30°C per kilometer in the Earth's crust.


The increase in temperature with dept in the earth is called the what gradient?

The increase in temperature with depth in the Earth is called the geothermal gradient. This gradient varies depending on factors such as location and geology, but typically averages around 25-30°C per kilometer depth.


The increase in temperature with depth in the Earth is called the geothermal?

gradient


What is the geothermal gradient on average?

The average geothermal gradient is around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius per kilometer of depth in the Earth's crust. This means that the temperature increases by this amount for every kilometer you descend into the Earth.


What is the geothermal gradient in the Earth's continental crust?

The geothermal gradient in the Earth's continental crust typically ranges from about 20 to 30°C per kilometer depth. This means the temperature increases by 20-30°C for every kilometer you go deeper into the Earth's continental crust.


Is the geothermal gradient associated with divergent plate boundaries greater than the gradient associated with subduction zones?

The geothermal gradient associated with divergent plate boundaries is typically lower than the gradient at subduction zones. This is because at divergent boundaries, the crust is thinning and heat can more easily escape from the mantle, while at subduction zones, the subducted plate can carry heat deeper into the Earth, increasing the geothermal gradient.


The geothermal is about 25 degrees Celsius for every 1 km of depth below earths surface?

The geothermal gradient is approximately 25 degrees Celsius per kilometer of depth below Earth's surface. This means that the temperature increases by about 25 degrees Celsius for every kilometer closer to the Earth's core. This gradient is used to estimate subsurface temperatures for geothermal energy extraction and other geological studies.


How do you calculate a gradient?

(rise)/(run)


How do you calculate gradient?

Gradient= Vertical gain / Horizontal distance Hope this helps ;P