Which can be excluded from the list of events caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth?(1 point)

Responses

volcanic eruptions
volcanic eruptions

valley formations
valley formations

earthquakes
earthquakes

thunderstorms

thunderstorms

Is this correct? Why?

Yes, it is correct. Thunderstorms are not caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth. Instead, thunderstorms are generally caused by the interaction of warm and cold air masses in the atmosphere.

To determine which event can be excluded from the list of events caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth, we need to understand the relationship between thermal energy and each event.

Thermal energy inside the Earth is primarily generated by the heat produced from radioactive decay of elements, residual heat from the formation of the planet, and heat from the core. This thermal energy drives various processes and events on Earth's surface.

1. Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruptions are indeed caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth. As the thermal energy rises to the surface, it melts rock and creates molten magma. This magma then erupts to form volcanoes.

2. Valley formations: Valley formations are generally not directly caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth. Valleys are usually formed through erosional processes such as water erosion, glaciation, or tectonic activity.

3. Earthquakes: Earthquakes are also caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth. The movement of tectonic plates, driven by the convective currents of the molten rock in the mantle, can result in earthquakes when the accumulated stress is released abruptly.

4. Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms, while powerful atmospheric events, are not caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth. Thunderstorms typically occur as a result of atmospheric instability, moisture, and uplift. The primary heat source for thunderstorms is the Sun's energy that warms the Earth's surface and provides the necessary conditions for convection and cloud formation.

Therefore, the event that can be excluded from the list of events caused by the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth is thunderstorms.