Convection currents

The formation and working of convection cells is an important process in the formation of landforms and the movement of winds across the globe. In this ScienceStruck article, we will study this phenomenon, and learn about its effects on our world.

Cross-sectional view of Earth, showing mantle, convection currents, and plate motion

Convection currents drive plate movement.

Geology IN: Study hints that ancient Earth made its own water—geologically

Convection currents in the mantle cause oceanic plates to spread apart as new rock rises to the surface at spreading zones.

Under the rigid layer of rock we live on, the Earth is plastic & more dense. Because of its fluid properties, mantle convection can occur within the Earth.

The theory of plate tectonics grew from Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift and incorporates modern data such as the magnetic record of the seafloor. The theory of plate tectonics helps to explain natural phenomena such as volcanic island arcs, large mountain belts, and seamount chains.

Posts about geology plate tectonics mid-atlantic ridge written by brgonzalez1