GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mantle convection describes the movement of the mantle as it transfers heat from the white-hot core to the brittle lithosphere. The mantle is heated from below, cooled from above, and its overall temperature decreases over long periods of time.

Detailed explanation-2: -Convection currents are identified in Earth’s mantle. Heated mantle material is shown rising from deep inside the mantle, while cooler mantle material sinks, creating a convection current. It is thought that this type of current is responsible for the movements of the plates of Earth’s crust.

Detailed explanation-3: -Under the rigid layer of rock we live on, the Earth’s asthenosphere is like dense plastic. Because of its fluid-like properties, mantle convection can occur. Then, mantle convection is the main driver of plate tectonics.

Detailed explanation-4: -Convection occurs in the Earth’s mantle because it is the most efficient way for the Earth to cool or dispose of its deep-seated heat content. In general, heat can be transferred by conduction, radiation or convection.