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As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is responsible for the movement of the plates. The sources of heat within the earth responsible for this cycle of convection cells are:
1. Radioactive decay
2. Residual heat from Earth's formation
3. Solar radiation
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    2 only
  • b)
    1 only
  • c)
    1 and 2 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is ...
Statements 1 and 2 are correct:
  • As per the Plate tectonic theory, the surface of the earth and the interior are not static and motionless but are dynamic. The mobile rock beneath the rigid plates is believed to be moving circularly.
  • The heated material rises to the surface, spreads and begins to cool, and then sinks back into deeper depths. This cycle is repeated over and over to generate what scientists call a convection cell or convective flow. Heat within the earth comes from two main sources: radioactive decay and residual heat.
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Most Upvoted Answer
As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is ...
Explanation:
The theory of Plate Tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates. These plates are part of the Earth's rigid outer shell and they move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. The movement of these plates is driven by convection currents in the asthenosphere.

Sources of Heat:
The convection cells responsible for the movement of the plates are driven by heat generated within the Earth. The three main sources of heat within the Earth are:

1. Radioactive Decay:
Radioactive decay is the process by which unstable atomic nuclei release energy in the form of radiation. This process occurs in certain elements present in the Earth's crust and mantle, such as uranium, thorium, and potassium. The energy released from radioactive decay contributes to the heat within the Earth, which in turn drives the convection cells.

2. Residual Heat from Earth's Formation:
The Earth was formed around 4.6 billion years ago through the accretion of dust and gas in the early solar system. During this process, immense heat was generated due to gravitational energy and collisions between planetesimals. Although much of this initial heat has dissipated over time, some residual heat from the Earth's formation remains. This residual heat contributes to the overall heat budget of the Earth and plays a role in driving convection within the asthenosphere.

3. Solar Radiation:
Solar radiation is another source of heat that indirectly affects the movement of the lithospheric plates. The Sun's energy heats the Earth's surface, leading to temperature gradients in the atmosphere and oceans. These temperature gradients drive weather systems and ocean currents, which in turn can exert forces on the lithospheric plates. While solar radiation does not directly drive convection within the asthenosphere, it does play a role in influencing the overall dynamics of the Earth system.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the sources of heat within the Earth responsible for the cycle of convection cells and the movement of the lithospheric plates are radioactive decay, residual heat from the Earth's formation, and solar radiation. These sources of heat contribute to the overall heat budget of the Earth and drive the convection currents within the asthenosphere, which ultimately result in the movement of the plates.
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As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is responsible for the movement of the plates. The sources of heat within the earth responsible for this cycle of convection cells are:1. Radioactive decay2. Residual heat from Earths formation3. Solar radiationSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)2 onlyb)1 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is responsible for the movement of the plates. The sources of heat within the earth responsible for this cycle of convection cells are:1. Radioactive decay2. Residual heat from Earths formation3. Solar radiationSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)2 onlyb)1 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is responsible for the movement of the plates. The sources of heat within the earth responsible for this cycle of convection cells are:1. Radioactive decay2. Residual heat from Earths formation3. Solar radiationSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)2 onlyb)1 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell is responsible for the movement of the plates. The sources of heat within the earth responsible for this cycle of convection cells are:1. Radioactive decay2. Residual heat from Earths formation3. Solar radiationSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)2 onlyb)1 onlyc)1 and 2 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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