Which part of the rock cycle can only occur because of thermal convection?(1 point)
Responses
metamorphic rock changing to sedimentary rock
sediment changing to sedimentary rock
magma changing to igneous rock
igneous rock changing to metamorphic rock
magma changing to igneous rock
The part of the rock cycle that can only occur because of thermal convection is magma changing to igneous rock.
The part of the rock cycle that can only occur because of thermal convection is magma changing to igneous rock.
To understand why this is the case, let's first review what thermal convection means. Thermal convection is the movement of heat energy through a medium, such as a liquid or gas, caused by a difference in temperature.
In the rock cycle, magma refers to molten rock that is found beneath the Earth's surface. When magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks. The process of magma changing to igneous rock is known as solidification.
One of the main drivers of the movement of magma is thermal convection. As the magma is heated from the Earth's internal heat, it becomes less dense and begins to rise towards the surface. This movement of magma is caused by the convection currents that are generated due to the temperature differences within the Earth.
Once the hot magma reaches the cooler surface or near-surface environment, it starts to cool down rapidly, causing crystals to grow and solidify into igneous rocks. This solidification process is enabled by the transfer of heat energy from the hot magma to the cooler surroundings.
Therefore, it is due to the thermal convection within the Earth's interior that magma is able to rise to the surface, cool, and solidify into igneous rocks. This is why magma changing to igneous rock is the part of the rock cycle that can only occur because of thermal convection.