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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:
Radioactive decay
  • Residual heat from Earth's formation
  • 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 i...
    • 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 in a circular manner.
      • 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.
      • The radioactive decay of naturally occurring chemical elements - most notably uranium, thorium, and potassium - releases energy in the form of heat, which slowly migrates toward the Earth's surface. Residual heat is gravitational energy left over from the formation of the Earth - 4.6 billion years ago - by the "falling together" and compression of cosmic debris.
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    As per the theory of Plate tectonics, the cycle of convection cell i...
    Heat Sources for Convection Cells in Plate Tectonics:
    Heat within the Earth is responsible for driving the cycle of convection cells that move the tectonic plates. There are three main sources of heat that contribute to this process:

    1. Radioactive Decay:
    - Radioactive elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium are present in the Earth's crust.
    - These elements undergo radioactive decay, releasing heat in the process.
    - This heat contributes to the convection currents in the mantle, which in turn drive the movement of tectonic plates.

    2. Residual Heat from Earth's Formation:
    - The Earth formed around 4.6 billion years ago through the accretion of dust and gas in the early solar system.
    - The energy released during this process, along with the heat generated by the compression of material, resulted in the formation of the Earth's core.
    - This residual heat from Earth's formation continues to contribute to the heat budget of the planet and drives the convection cells in the mantle.
    Therefore, as per the theory of Plate Tectonics, both radioactive decay and residual heat from Earth's formation are crucial sources of heat that fuel the convection cells responsible for the movement of tectonic 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: Radioactive decay Residual heat from Earth's formation Solar radiation Select 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: Radioactive decay Residual heat from Earth's formation Solar radiation Select 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: Radioactive decay Residual heat from Earth's formation Solar radiation Select 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: Radioactive decay Residual heat from Earth's formation Solar radiation Select 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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