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Within the earth's mantle, which is semi-molten, there are convection currents caused by differences in temperature. These currents apply force from beneath to the plates of the earth's crust. The plates move slightly, which causes the very slow change in the shapes of our continents and oceans (and also causes occasional earthquakes).
All of this is true about convection currents, however there is significant dispute as to whether the tectonic plates are actually moved by convection currents. It could equally be true that "There are no convection currents in the Earth's mantle". Although is is the best theory going, there has been insufficient evidence that these currents actually exist. Alternative theories include:
- Continental drag: As a plate is subducted beneath another, the weight of the sinking end pulls the rest of the plate with it. This causes continental drift. The biggest flaw is that not all plates even have destructive boundaries.
- Hotspots: Hotspots themselves are responsible for continental drift (a similar sort of idea to convection currents, but we do know that hotspots exist). The biggest flaw is that not all plates have a hotspot on them.
What else can I help you with?
Current in earths mantle that transfers heat in earths interior?
The main mechanism for heat transfer in Earth's mantle is through convection currents. These currents are driven by the heat generated by the decay of radioactive elements in the mantle, causing hot material to rise and cooler material to sink. This convective motion helps drive the motion of tectonic plates and is a key process in the Earth's heat budget.
What is the thermal convection that drives plate motion is caused by what?
The thermal convection that drives plate motion is caused by the movement of molten rock in the mantle. Heat from Earth's core causes the mantle to circulate in a convection current, which in turn drags the overlying tectonic plates along with it, driving plate motion.
What is a process occurring in the plastic mantle that is inferred to cause tectonic plate motion?
One process occurring in the plastic mantle that causes tectonic plate motion is convection. Heat from the Earth's core creates movements within the mantle, causing hot material to rise and cold material to sink. This convection generates forces that push and pull on the tectonic plates, causing them to move and interact with each other.
Which of the following is true about convection in Earth's mantle and tectonic plate motion?
Convection in Earth's mantle drives the motion of tectonic plates. As the mantle heats up and rises, it moves the plates above it in a process known as plate tectonics. This convection helps create features like mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
What process causes earths plates to move?
The process of 'earth plates moving' is Alfred Wageners theory of continental drift. This theory proposes that convenction currents in the earths mantle provides a 'cushion' on which the plates can move.
The motion of tectonic plates is part of a larger system that includes?
Convection currents in the mantle
Current in earths mantle that transfers heat in earths interior?
The main mechanism for heat transfer in Earth's mantle is through convection currents. These currents are driven by the heat generated by the decay of radioactive elements in the mantle, causing hot material to rise and cooler material to sink. This convective motion helps drive the motion of tectonic plates and is a key process in the Earth's heat budget.
What is most directly linked to heat convection within Earths interior?
tectonic plate motion
What is most directly linked to heat convection within Earths's interior?
tectonic plate motion
What does the mantle convection cause?
Mantle convection is the slow motion of the Earth's silicate mantle, caused by convection currents that carry heat from the interior to the surface of the Earth. Mantle convection causes the tectonic plates to move around the Earth's surface, causing earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
What describes the circular motion of heat below the earths surface?
I would call this convection currents in the mantle.
What is the thermal convection that drives plate motion is caused by what?
The thermal convection that drives plate motion is caused by the movement of molten rock in the mantle. Heat from Earth's core causes the mantle to circulate in a convection current, which in turn drags the overlying tectonic plates along with it, driving plate motion.
What is a process occurring in the plastic mantle that is inferred to cause tectonic plate motion?
One process occurring in the plastic mantle that causes tectonic plate motion is convection. Heat from the Earth's core creates movements within the mantle, causing hot material to rise and cold material to sink. This convection generates forces that push and pull on the tectonic plates, causing them to move and interact with each other.
Does convection cause tectonic plates to move?
Convection currents in the mantle play a role in the movement of tectonic plates by driving the process of plate tectonics. As heated material rises in the mantle and cooler material sinks, it creates a circular motion that drags the tectonic plates above it. This movement influences the direction and speed of plate motion.
What two forces do scientists believe are responsible for tectonic plate motion?
gravity acting on the edges of plates and convection in the mantle
What would happen to the convection currents in the mantle if the earths interior cooled down?
the convection currents will be set in motion because the heat from the mantle rises and causing it to change Earth's density & force of gravity
What is tectonic convection?
Your probably referring to the magma convection currents within the mantle. Like normal heaing and cooling convection currents, the magma ebbs & flows, keeping the tectonic plates in motion.
