Convection Currents in the Mantle

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, where warmer, less dense material rises and cooler, denser material sinks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

Where do convection currents happen in the Earth?

Back

Convection currents happen in the Mantle.

Front

What happens to molten material when it is heated in the mantle?

Back

The molten material expands (spreads out).

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the effect of heating on the density of molten material in the mantle?

Back

When heated, molten material becomes less dense.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What causes Earth's tectonic plates to move?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle cause Earth's tectonic plates to move.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What happens to molecules that are less dense than the surrounding particles?

Back

Molecules that are less dense will rise up.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

What is the role of temperature in convection currents?

Back

Temperature differences create density differences, which drive the movement of convection currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

How does cooling affect the movement of mantle material?

Back

Cooling causes the material to become denser and sink.

Front

What is the relationship between density and buoyancy in convection currents?

Back

Less dense materials are more buoyant and rise, while denser materials sink.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What is the significance of convection currents in the mantle?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle are crucial for the movement of tectonic plates and the recycling of Earth's materials.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3