The correct statement regarding the flow of thermal energy inside the Earth is that thermal energy flows from the hotter core to the cooler outer layers, such as the mantle and crust. This process primarily occurs through conduction and convection.
In the Earth's interior:
- Conduction occurs when heat is transferred through materials that are in direct contact. For instance, heat flows from the hot inner core through the outer core and into the mantle.
- Convection occurs when hot, less dense material rises, while cooler, denser material sinks, leading to a circulation pattern. This process is particularly significant in the mantle, where mantle convection is a driving force behind plate tectonics.
Overall, the flow of thermal energy within the Earth contributes to geological processes, including volcanic activity, tectonic plate movements, and the formation of various rock types.
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