Using the diagram above, describe the cycle of Convection Currents in Earth’s mantle.
a. What heats the mantle rock?
The mantle rock is heated by the core.
b. What happens to the movement of the particles in the mantle rock as it heats up?
The particles begin to move faster.
c. What happens to the density of the heated mantle rock? And why?
The density of the heated mantle rock decreases because the particles spread out
and occupy more space.
d. At this point, how does the mantle rock move?
At this point, the mantle rock rises because heated objects are less dense than
cooler objects.
e. What happens as the mantle rock moves farther away from the core?
The mantle rock cools as it moves farther away from the core.
f. What happens to the movement of the particles at this point?
The particles begin to move slower.
g. What happens to the density of the mantle rock while it is near the crust? And why?
The density of the mantle rock increases while it is near the crust because the
particles pack closer together. Cooler objects are denser than warmer objects.
h. As a result of the change in density, what happens to the movement of the mantle rock?
As a result of the change in density, the mantle rock begins to sink.
i.
What happens next that causes the cycle to continue?
The mantle rock is reheated by the core.
First, the mantle rock is heated by the core. Then, the particles begin to move faster. Therefore,
the density of the heated mantle rock decreases because the particles spread out and occupy more
space. At this point, the mantle rock rises because heated objects are less dense than cooler
objects. Next, the mantle rock cools as it moves farther away from the core. Now, the particles
begin to move slower. As this happens, the density of the mantle rock increases while it is near the
crust because the particles pack closer together. Cooler objects are denser than warmer objects. As
a result of the change in density, the mantle rock begins to sink. Once again, the mantle rock is
reheated by the core.