How are convection currents formed inside the Earth?

Convection currents occur within: the geosphere – plate tectonics. the atmosphere - wind. the hydrosphere - ocean currents. Focus Question: What is the source of energy for convection currents in the geosphere? Convection currents in the magma drive plate tectonics. read more

In the ocean, convection heating is responsible for the ocean currents, which also affect the weather patterns. Convection currents occur in the magma of the Earth. These currents drive plate tectonics. Radioactive decay in the core of the Earth produces enough heat to melt the rocks that form magma. read more

Convection currents in the magma drive plate tectonics. Heat generated from the radioactive decay of elements deep in the interior of the Earth creates magma (molten rock) in the aesthenosphere. The aesthenosphere (70 ~ 250 km) is part of the mantle, the middle sphere of the Earth that extends to 2900 km. read more