Density and Convection Currents
Density is the amount of anything in a certain space; the quantity of a matter in a given area. Hot liquids are less dense than cold liquids. Currents are a flow of water, air, or any liquid (or gas). Convection currents are circular currents or movement within a liquid (or gas) due to different densities of the hotter and cooler parts. Hot liquids are less dense than cold and will rise. In the earth's deep mantle and outer core, the magma that is closer to the exteremely hot inner core rises because it's less dense and then pushes the cooler magma that is further from the intense heat down. When the cooler magma is pushed down, it is heated more and rises. The somewhat less hot magma is more dense and so sinks. This motion is convection currents and is what causes the plates to move that are riding on the surface of all of this.
The Earth's crust is composed of continental plates that are in constant motion because of the convection currents in the Earth's mantle and outer core. It is this movement that causes earthquakes and volcanoes.
There are two main heat sources causing Earth's interior convection currents:
Frictional heat from gravitational distortions,
Heat generated from radioactive decay.
Related Information:
Minor sources include tectonic plate motion and the sun's radiant energy.
Some theoretical work indicates the possibility of a concentration of uranium at the center of the earth's core which would form a large, natural nuclear reactor and provide an additional source of heat. In addition, there is still likely some residual heat remaining from earth's formation (due to the energy of in-falling material being converted to heat).
Differences in a materials __________ is what drives convection
Heat energy can be transferred from a source to a receiver by conduction, convection, and radiation.
thermal-type: radiation source: http://quizlet.com/2000966/heat-thermal-energy-states-of-matter-flash-cards/
Convection is the movement of particles due to a gradient of energy. Heat energy is thus transfered by the moving particles.
Mode of energy transfer in fluids is convection.
radiation received from the Sun!! :D
Mantle convection
Mantle convection
Mantle convection
The source of energy that drives the movement of the lithospheric plates is believed to be the heat generated by radioactive decay in the Earth's interior, primarily in the mantle. This heat creates convection currents that cause the plates to move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.
The source of energy that drives convection within the Earth's atmosphere is primarily solar radiation. The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, causing air to warm and rise in some areas and cool and sink in others, creating convection currents. This process is responsible for distributing heat and moisture throughout the atmosphere.
The energy source that drives the processes forming igneous and metamorphic rocks is primarily found within the Earth's interior. It originates from heat generated by radioactive decay in the mantle and core, which drives convection currents that bring hot molten material to the surface and causes interactions that lead to rock formation.
The main source of energy that drives weather and climate is the sun. Solar radiation heats the Earth's surface, creating temperature differences that lead to the development of weather patterns and climate systems. This energy drives processes such as evaporation, convection, and atmospheric circulation, influencing global weather patterns and climate dynamics.
The Sun is the main source of energy for convection in the atmosphere and the oceans. The Sun, heat radiated form the Sun is the main source of energy driving convection in the atmosphere and oceans. There is also a small input form geothermal energy.
The Sun is the main source of energy for convection in the atmosphere and the oceans. The Sun, heat radiated form the Sun is the main source of energy driving convection in the atmosphere and oceans. There is also a small input form geothermal energy.
The Sun is the main source of energy for convection in the atmosphere and the oceans. The Sun, heat radiated form the Sun is the main source of energy driving convection in the atmosphere and oceans. There is also a small input form geothermal energy.
Convection