Convection in Mantle

Front

What drives convection currents in the mantle?

Back

The heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is convection?

Back

A process of heat transfer through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases) due to temperature differences.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the upper mantle and the crust.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows for the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle caused by uneven heating.

Front

Where do new oceanic crusts form?

Back

At mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates are diverging.

Front

What is the role of the core in mantle convection?

Back

The core provides the heat necessary to drive convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What happens at subduction zones?

Back

One tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to the recycling of crust.

Front

What is the relationship between convection and earthquakes?

Back

Convection currents can cause stress in the Earth's crust, leading to earthquakes.

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges?

Back

They are sites of new crust formation and are associated with volcanic activity.