Which is responsible for the movement of large plates and formation of volcanoes
A: thermal energy
B:electrical energy
C: mechanical energy
D: magnetic energy
A: thermal energy
The correct answer is A: thermal energy. Thermal energy is responsible for the movement of large plates and the formation of volcanoes. Thermal energy from the Earth's interior drives the convection currents in the mantle, which in turn cause the tectonic plates to move. This movement of plates can lead to the formation of volcanoes at plate boundaries, such as subduction zones or divergent boundaries.
The correct answer is A: thermal energy. Thermal energy plays a crucial role in the movement of large tectonic plates and the formation of volcanoes. To understand why, we need to examine the process in more detail.
The Earth's interior is composed of several layers, with the outermost layer being the Earth's crust. This crust is divided into numerous tectonic plates that are constantly moving. These tectonic plates float on the semi-fluid layer beneath them, known as the asthenosphere.
The asthenosphere, located in the upper mantle, is partially molten and contains a substantial amount of heat. This heat is generated by the ongoing radioactive decay of elements within the Earth's interior, as well as residual heat from the planet's formation. The tremendous temperature difference between the asthenosphere and the cold lithosphere (the rigid outer layer of the Earth) creates thermal convection currents.
These thermal convection currents are responsible for the movement of the tectonic plates. As the hot material rises from the asthenosphere towards the surface, it pushes the tectonic plates apart. This process is known as seafloor spreading. At the same time, the cooler material from the lithosphere sinks back into the mantle, completing the convection cycle.
Volcanoes are closely associated with plate tectonics and are frequently found at plate boundaries. Where two tectonic plates converge, one plate often descends beneath the other in a process called subduction. As the subducting plate sinks deeper into the mantle, the increase in temperature and pressure causes the release of volatiles (such as water) from the sinking plate. These volatiles lower the melting point of the mantle, triggering the formation of magma. This magma then rises to the surface, leading to volcanic eruptions.
To summarize, thermal energy derived from the Earth's interior is responsible for the movement of large tectonic plates and the subsequent formation of volcanoes.
What do all volcanoes have in common
A: the size of the volcanic Crater
B: the period of its activity and dormancy
C: the amount of energy it gives off in eruption
D: the flowing energy from Earth's indicator