Heat generated from the radioactive decay of elements deep in the interior of the Earth creates magma or molten rock, in the outer layer of the mantle. The deep, hot magma becomes less dense than the cooler, upper mantle rocks and the magma rises, while the cooler rocks sink. This movement of the warmer and cooler mantle creates pockets of circulation within the mantle called _________, which creates the force behind the movement of tectonic plates.

Question

Heat generated from the radioactive decay of elements deep in the interior of the Earth creates magma or molten rock, in the outer layer of the mantle. The deep, hot magma becomes less dense than the cooler, upper mantle rocks and the magma rises, while the cooler rocks sink. This movement of the warmer and cooler mantle creates pockets of circulation within the mantle called _________, which creates the force behind the movement of tectonic plates.
Responses
A	magma currentsmagma currents
B	density currentsdensity currents
C	convection currentsconvection currents
D	conduction currentsconduction currents
Question 2
Tectonic plates, part of the lithosphere, are carried along on top of the asthenosphere (upper mantle) due to the rise and fall of magma and rocks within the mantle. Complete this sequence of events:

radioactive decay → heat circulation → plate movement → ________

Choose the ONE answer that DOES NOT apply.
Responses
A	earthquakeearthquake
B	volcanic eruptionvolcanic eruption
C	sea floor spreadingsea floor spreading
D	layering of sediments

GPT-4o mini · Answer

Question 1: The correct response is **C** convection currents. Question 2: The ONE answer that DOES NOT apply is **D** layering of sediments.