Question
Download Solution PDFWhat are the main energy sources for earth's internal heat engine?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Radiogenic heat and primordial heat.Key Points
- The main energy sources for earth's internal heat engine are radiogenic heat and primordial heat.
- Radiogenic heat is produced by the decay of radioactive isotopes in the earth's crust and mantle.
- Primordial heat is the heat left over from the formation of the earth.
- These two sources are the main contributors to earth's internal heat engine.
Additional Information
- Radiogenic heat is produced by the decay of radioactive isotopes such as uranium, thorium, and potassium-40.
- These isotopes are present in the earth's crust and mantle.
- The earth was formed about 4.6 billion years ago by the accretion of small particles.
- The heat generated by the collisions and compression of these particles is still present in the earth's core.
- While oceanic tide heat is not a significant contributor to earth's internal heat engine, it does play a role in the earth's energy balance.
- Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, which creates friction and generates heat in the ocean.
- Solar heat is the energy that comes from the sun.
- It heats up the earth's surface and drives weather patterns and the water cycle.
Important Points The Earth's internal heat engine refers to the processes that generate and maintain the planet's internal heat, driving various geological phenomena such as volcanic activity, tectonic plate movement, and the generation of the Earth's magnetic field. There are several components to this heat engine:
- Radioactive Decay: The primary source of heat within the Earth is the radioactive decay of elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium in the mantle and crust. This process releases energy in the form of heat.
- Gravitational Energy: During the formation of the Earth, gravitational energy was converted into heat. The compression of material as it gravitationally collapses releases heat, contributing to the internal heat budget of the planet.
Last updated on Jul 8, 2025
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