How do you think Earth's large temperature gradient affects the speed of its convection currents? How would this speed change if Earth's core were cooler?

Question

Geography

Rocco Rhodes

7 June, 00:30

How do you think Earth's large temperature gradient affects the speed of its convection currents? How would this speed change if Earth's core were cooler?

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Answers (1)

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Terrell · Answer 1

Convection currents in the Earth's core are caused by hot magma rising upwards, cooling, then sinking back toward the core. These convection currents are the driving force for tectonic plate movement in the crust. The constantly moving magma in the mantle carries the plates sitting on top of it. The hotter the magma, the faster the speed of its convection currents.

If the interior of the Earth were to cooler, then the movement of the plates would decrease.

Explanation:

Convection currents in the Earth's core are caused by hot magma rising upwards, cooling, then sinking back toward the core. These convection currents are the driving force for tectonic plate movement in the crust. The constantly moving magma in the mantle carries the plates sitting on top of it.

If the interior of the Earth were to cooler, then the movement of the plates would decrease.