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Plate tectonics results from the convection of the Earth's mantle below. Convection is driven by heat from the Earth's core. The hot core creates a temperature gradient in the mantle that results in convention.
In the case of Earth the source of thermal energy comes from two sources:
a) primordial heat left over from the Earth's formation
b) radioactive decay of certain isotopes of certain elements.
In the case of Earth the most important isotope is potassium-40.
Thus the heat in the Earth's core is ultimately the power behind a vast heat engine that moves tectonic plates.
What else can I help you with?
Is reciprocating engine a combustion generator?
A reciprocating engine is a type of internal combustion engine, where the combustion of fuel generates power. Therefore, a reciprocating engine is not a combustion generator itself, but rather a machine that uses combustion to produce mechanical energy.
Can a Wankel engine run on ethanol?
Yes, a Wankel engine can run on ethanol. Ethanol is a popular alternative fuel for internal combustion engines, and it can be used in Wankel engines with modifications to the fuel system to handle the different properties of ethanol compared to gasoline.
What are heat engine of the Earth?
The Earth's heat engine refers to the process of heat transfer within the planet that drives geological phenomena such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity. This heat is generated from the decay of radioactive elements in the Earth's core, resulting in convection currents that move material around the Earth's interior. Heat from the Earth's core is also responsible for the magnetic field that surrounds the planet.
How is the earths external heat engine driven?
The Earth's external heat engine is driven by the energy from the Sun. Solar energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface, which then drives processes such as weather patterns, ocean currents, and the water cycle. This energy also contributes to the Earth's climate system and overall temperature regulation.
What is the benefits with hydrogen powered cars?
A hydrogen vehicle is a vehicle that uses hydrogen as its onboard fuel for motive power. Hydrogen vehicles include hydrogen fueled space rockets, as well as automobiles and other transportation vehicles.
What were the first automobiles powered by?
They were powered by steam engines.
What is the gasoline powered car?
It is a car powered by an internal combustion engine running on gasoline.
What powered the first automobile engine?
In 1769, the steam engine was the first automobile engine capable of human transport. In 1807, the first gas powered engine was an internal combustion engine.
What are london buses powered by?
Most London buses are powered by an internal combustion engine fueled by diesel.
What is a automobile powered by?
Most are powered by an Internal Combustion engine either gasoline, diesel, or electric motors.
What type of forklift is powered by internal combstion engines?
gaspropane Diesel engine
When did nikolaus otto invent a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine?
1879
Who built the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine?
Karl Benz
Who invented the fist gasoline-powered internal combustion engine?
sir dougald clerk
What are earths two heat engines?
the sun is the external heat engine and the core of the planet is it's internal heating engine.
Does a truck use external or internal combustion engine?
Currently they are all internal combustion, the last steam powered truck was built in 1945.
Is a lawnmower an internal combustion engine?
If the lawnmower is not electric powered then is is probably operated by an internal combustion engine (petrol or diesel. Oddly enough, very early lawnmowers were steam powered, which means they were examples of external combustion engines.
