Chapter 5: Problem 9

Explain how convection in Earth's interior drives the process of plate tectonics.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: Convection currents in the Earth's mantle are formed due to the difference in temperature between the hot core and the cooler lithosphere. These currents cause the movement of tectonic plates, as the rising and sinking motion of the mantle pushes and pulls on the plates above it. This causes plates to either diverge or converge, directly influencing the movement of tectonic plates.

Step by step solution

Understand the Structure of Earth

Earth is composed of several layers: the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. The mantle, which is located between the core and crust, is a thick layer of hot, solid rock. The uppermost part of the mantle (called the lithosphere) is cooler and more solid than the rest of the mantle, which allows the tectonic plates, made of lithosphere and crust, to move on top of it.

Define Convection Currents

Convection currents are the movement of a fluid (such as air or molten rock) caused by the heating and cooling of that fluid. When a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense (lighter) and rises, while cooler fluid sinks because it is denser (heavier). This process leads to a circular motion in the fluid, known as a convection current.

Explain the Formation of Convection Currents in Earth's Mantle

In the Earth's mantle, convection currents form due to the difference in temperature between the hot core and the cooler lithosphere. The heat from the core causes the rock of the mantle to become hot and less dense, leading it to rise towards the lithosphere. As the mantle nears the surface, it loses heat to the cooler crust, becoming denser and sinking back down towards the core. This process forms the convection currents within the mantle.

Connect Convection Currents to Plate Tectonics

These convection currents in the mantle are the driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates. The rising and sinking motion of the mantle pushes and pulls on the plates above it, causing them to move. When convection currents rise beneath a plate, they can cause the plate to move apart or diverge (rift). Likewise, when convection currents sink, they can drag plates downward and cause them to converge (collide). In both cases, the movement of the plates is driven by the convection currents in the Earth's interior.

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Explain how convection in Earth's interior drives the process of plate tectonics.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Structure of Earth

Define Convection Currents

Explain the Formation of Convection Currents in Earth's Mantle

Connect Convection Currents to Plate Tectonics

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