Question
Which part of the rock cycle can only occur because of thermal convection?(1 point)
Responses
magma changing to igneous rock
magma changing to igneous rock
igneous rock changing to metamorphic rock
igneous rock changing to metamorphic rock
sediment changing to sedimentary rock
sediment changing to sedimentary rock
metamorphic rock changing to sedimentary rock
The part of the rock cycle that can only occur because of thermal convection is "igneous rock changing to metamorphic rock."
Thermal convection in the Earth's mantle is a significant driver of plate tectonics. As plates move and subduct into the mantle, the intense heat and pressure can lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks from existing igneous rocks. The heat from thermal convection is necessary to induce the physical and chemical changes that transform the original rock into a metamorphic one.