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Convection currents occur in the outer core due to the heat generated by the radioactive decay of elements like uranium and thorium. This heat creates temperature differences within the outer core, causing hotter, less dense material to rise and cooler, denser material to sink, thus creating the movement of molten iron that generates the Earth's magnetic field.

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Q: Why does convection current occur in the outer core?
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What three spheres of the earth do convection currents occur?

Convection currents occur in the atmosphere, mantle, and outer core of the Earth. In the atmosphere, convection drives weather patterns. In the mantle, it contributes to plate tectonics and the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates. In the outer core, convection generates Earth's magnetic field.


Which layer of the earth does convection take place in?

Convection takes place in the Earth's mantle, which is the layer of hot, semi-solid rock located between the crust and the outer core. Heat from the Earth's core drives convection currents in the mantle, causing the movement of tectonic plates.


Where does the convection occur that causes the Earth's magnetic field?

Convection occurs in the Earth's outer core, where the movement of molten iron and nickel creates electric currents. These electric currents generate the Earth's magnetic field through a process known as the geodynamo.


Do convection currents occur in the mantle or the outer core?

Convection currents occur in the mantle. The movement of molten rock in the mantle helps drive the tectonic plates above it, leading to processes like seafloor spreading and subduction zones. The outer core experiences convective motion as well, but this is mainly responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field.


Match the layer of the earth in column 1 to the characteristics in column 2 a crust dense and solid b mantle convection c inner core plates d outer core liquid?

Lower mantle: Near outer coreInner core: Dense and solidOuter core: LiquidUpper mantle: Moves the crust

Related questions

Where does the heat come from that drives this convection current the mantle?

The heat comes from the outer core, which provides the heat.


What three spheres of the earth do convection currents occur?

Convection currents occur in the atmosphere, mantle, and outer core of the Earth. In the atmosphere, convection drives weather patterns. In the mantle, it contributes to plate tectonics and the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates. In the outer core, convection generates Earth's magnetic field.


How does the outer core drive convection?

The outer core drives convection through the process of heat transfer. The heat generated from the inner core warms the outer core, causing it to become less dense and rise towards the mantle. As it cools, it becomes denser and sinks back towards the core, creating a cycle of convection that drives the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates.


How is the mantle like the outer core?

they both have convection currents


Does In the outer core flows water currents?

No, the outer core of the Earth is composed of molten iron and nickel, not water. The movement in the outer core is thought to be driven by the Earth's rotation and heat from the inner core, causing convection currents in the molten metal.


Why does convection occurs in the athenosphere?

heat from the outer core and the mantle when it drifts up to the asthenosphere it causes convection.


Which layer of the earth does convection take place in?

Convection takes place in the Earth's mantle, which is the layer of hot, semi-solid rock located between the crust and the outer core. Heat from the Earth's core drives convection currents in the mantle, causing the movement of tectonic plates.


Where does the convection occur that causes the Earth's magnetic field?

Convection occurs in the Earth's outer core, where the movement of molten iron and nickel creates electric currents. These electric currents generate the Earth's magnetic field through a process known as the geodynamo.


How do the earths inner core and outer core interact with each other?

The Earth's inner core and outer core interact through the process of convection. Heat from the inner core causes the outer core to heat up and become less dense, leading to the movement of molten iron and nickel in a circular pattern. This convection motion generates the Earth's magnetic field.


Do convection currents occur in the mantle or the outer core?

Convection currents occur in the mantle. The movement of molten rock in the mantle helps drive the tectonic plates above it, leading to processes like seafloor spreading and subduction zones. The outer core experiences convective motion as well, but this is mainly responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field.


Does convection occur in the core of a star?

Yes, convection does occur in the core of a star. In the core, convection helps transport energy from the inner regions to the surface of the star. This process is crucial for mixing the stellar material and maintaining the overall stability and temperature balance of the star.


Where does convection occur on the sun?

Convection occurs in the outer layer of the sun, known as the convective zone. In this region, hot plasma rises towards the surface, cools down, and then sinks back towards the interior in a continuous cycle. This process helps transfer heat from the sun's core to its surface.