What Are Convection Currents?
4. Mantle Convection
The mantle of Earth is in a semi-liquid state and is considered fluid. Because of the convection current that transfers heat from the inner core of Earth toward the surface, there is a tectonic plate movement.
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The hot flowing asthenosphere is made up of magma that moves in convection currents toward the surface where it meets ocean waters and cools, forming fresh crust that can end up sliding back down under its own weight through a process called subduction. This activity takes place at a very slow rate, causing the continental drift, and is also believed to contribute to volcanoes and earthquakes.
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