Question

What are the sources of energy that are required to cause movements associated with the internal forces of the Earth?

Answer 1

1. Heat from Earth’s interior:
   • The Earth’s core produces immense heat.
   • This heat drives convection currents in the mantle, which push and pull tectonic plates.
   • These movements cause earthquakes, volcanoes, folding, and faulting.
2. Radioactive decay of elements:
   • Elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium break down deep inside the Earth.
   • This process releases heat continuously, sustaining mantle convection over geological timescales.