Earth's Internal Heat and Layers

Heat energy within the Earth that drives geological processes.

The outermost, thin solid layer of the Earth.

The large, semi-molten layer between the crust and core, primarily composed of hot, dense rock.

The liquid layer of the Earth's core, composed mostly of iron and nickel.

The solid center of the Earth, also composed of iron and nickel, but under immense pressure.

Heat from the Earth's formation, from the accretion process.

Heat from the radioactive decay of elements (Uranium, Thorium, Potassium).

Heat transfer methods that move Earth's internal heat.

The process of moving heat energy within the Earth from its hot interior to the cooler surface. This is crucial for geological processes and changes on our planet.

Primordial heat (left over from Earth's formation) and radiogenic heat (from radioactive decay) contribute equally to the Earth's internal heat.

Heat transfer by direct contact between neighboring atoms or molecules, like a hot metal pan transferring heat to your hand.

Conduction is important in Earth's crust and mantle, transferring heat from the core outward.

Air is a poor conductor, so most heat transfer in the atmosphere near the Earth's surface happens via conduction with the ground.

A material that readily allows heat to flow through it, like metals.

A material that resists heat flow, like air or water.

Heat transfer processes like conduction are vital for the continual changes and development of our planet, driving geological processes.

The process of magma formation and movement within the Earth's crust and upper mantle.

The process where different minerals within a rock melt at varying temperatures and pressures, generating magma.

Melting that occurs when pressure decreases on mantle rocks, triggering the formation of magma.

Melting caused by the addition of water or carbon dioxide to hot rocks, lowering their melting points.

1. Increase in temperature (conduction), 2. Decrease of pressure (decompression melting), 3. Addition of volatiles (flux melting).

Heat transfer through direct contact, like a hot pan on a stove. In the atmosphere, it's less important than other methods like convection. Air is a poor conductor.

Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves. It's how the Sun warms the Earth.

Magma that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.

Molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface, typically in the mantle or oceanic plates.

Convection currents within the Earth's mantle move tectonic plates. Hot, less dense material rises, cools, becomes denser, and sinks, creating a circular motion.

Magma is molten rock underground, while lava is molten rock that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.

Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.