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Radioactive isotopes which are distributed unevenly in the mantle cause uneven heating which leads to convection currents. Hotter lava rises, cooler lava sinks, and circular currents are formed.

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Earth's magnetic field results from the spinning of the?

The earths magnetic field results from deep in the earths core. Magnetic conduction from within the earths core is believed to be the cause of this.


Is earth's magnetism related to the circulation of molten material within Earths core?

TRUE (this is the correct answer)


Is the mantle heated mainly by the heat conducted from the core?

No, the main heat source for the mantle (as well as the core) is radioactive decay of elements like uranium within the mantle itself (or core, respectively). Heat rising from the core into the already hot mantle does set up the differential heat profile that drives much of the mantle convection, but even without the additional core heat the mantle would convect (but slower) so that its heat would rise to the crust.


How do convection currents work in the mantle?

What forces would lead to the movement of the plates over the surface of the earth? At this time it is believed this movement results from mantle convection. Deep within the earth there is a large amount of heat coming from two sources: the magma remnants of the Great Bombardment, and radiation from radioactive elements. This heat, in accordance with the 2 ndlaw of thermodynamics, must flow to a cooler place, and subsequently rises to the surface of the Earth. If the Earth were smaller, this heat would flow by conduction, but because of the relatively large size of the Earth, convection also takes place. Thus, as in heating a pot of water on a stove, convection currents are established within the earth, which bring warm material to the surface and send cooler material to the interior.


Describe continental drift theory?

continents move about as plates of crust and upper mantle, on more mobile layer of asthenophere in the mantle. Movement driven by mantle convection and isostasy. Bumps between continents = mountain chains bump continental with oceanic = island arc vocanoes and subduction of oceanic plate

Related Questions

What is the circulation within earths mantle called?

The circulation within Earth's mantle is called mantle convection. This process involves the movement of hot material rising and cool material sinking in the mantle, creating convection currents that drive plate tectonics.


What is the Movement within the earth that cause buried rock to be exposed at the earths surface?

The movement within the Earth that causes buried rock to be exposed at the Earth's surface is called uplift. It refers to the vertical elevation of the Earth's surface.


How do the rocks in the mantle move?

The movement of rocks in the mantle is driven by convection currents. Heat from the Earth's core causes the rocks to become less dense, causing them to rise towards the surface. As they cool, they become denser and sink back down, creating a cycle of movement within the mantle.


Which temperature is inferred to exist within Earths plastic mantle?

2000 celcius


How are plates motions connected with motions within the rest of the earths mantle?

convection currents in the mantle provide the basic driving forces for plate motions.


How is the theory of plate tectonics related to the radioactive decay of elements within earths interior?

As elements decay within the Earth's interior, they release energy. This energy creates movement within the magma (along with the rotation of the Earth and heat) and this movement causes the plates of the Earth to move, hence the geography of the planet is different to thousands and millions of years ago.


What is mantle dynamics?

Mantle dynamics refers to the movement and flow of the Earth's mantle, the layer of rock located beneath the Earth's crust. These dynamics are driven by the transfer of heat within the mantle, which causes convection currents to form and drive plate tectonics, leading to processes such as seafloor spreading, subduction, and volcanic activity.


Why did it take so long for the continents to move to where they are today?

The movement of continents is driven by plate tectonics, which is a slow process. Over millions of years, the movement of tectonic plates causes the continents to shift positions. Factors such as the size and composition of the plates, as well as the heat within the Earth's mantle, all contribute to the gradual movement of the continents to their current locations.


What causes convection currents it the mantle?

Convection currents in the mantle are mainly caused by the heat generated from the radioactive decay of elements within the Earth's interior. This heat creates temperature differences in the mantle, causing warmer, less dense rock to rise and cooler, denser rock to sink, driving the movement of mantle material in a continuous cycle.


What is the earths middle mantle made of?

The Earth's middle mantle, also known as the mantle transition zone, is composed of minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, and garnet. These minerals experience high pressures and temperatures, leading to the formation of unique crystal structures and properties. The mantle transition zone plays a crucial role in the movement of material within the Earth's interior.


Where you the earths mantle located?

The Earth's mantle is located between the outer core and the Earth's crust. It is a layer of hot, dense rock that is primarily composed of silicate minerals. The mantle makes up the bulk of the Earth's interior and plays a key role in plate tectonics and the movement of the Earth's crust.


What extends from earth's core to earths's crust?

The mantle extends from the Earth's core to the Earth's crust. It is a layer of hot, semi-solid rock that surrounds the core and makes up the majority of the Earth's volume. Heat generated within the mantle drives the movement of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface.