1. What are the primary sources of Earth's internal heat, and how do they continue to affect geological processes today?
Answer (1)
Earth’s internal heat originates mainly from two sources: primordial and radiogenic heat. Primordial heat is residual energy from Earth’s formation over 4.5 billion years ago, generated during accretion, compression, and the differentiation of Earth's layers. Radiogenic heat, on the other hand, is produced by the ongoing radioactive decay of isotopes like uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40 found in the mantle and crust. These two sources collectively fuel Earth’s internal energy, with radiogenic heat now contributing roughly half of the total.This internal heat drives crucial geological processes that shape the planet’s surface and structure. Mantle convection, powered by heat, causes the movement of tectonic plates, leading to earthquakes, mountain building, and seafloor spreading. It also enables volcanism, as heated rock melts into magma and rises to erupt at the surface. Additionally, it sustains the geodynamo effect in Earth’s outer core, which is responsible for generating the planet’s magnetic field. These processes remain active and vital to Earth's geological evolution.
