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

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The correct response is: C**. convection currents** Convection currents are responsible for the movement of the warmer and cooler materials within the mantle, driving the movement of tectonic plates.