1.2.4

Convection Currents

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Convection Currents and Tectonic Plates

Convection currents happen in the upper mantle. The core is hot and heats molten (melted) rock. This heated rock rises and hits the underside of the plate.

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Molten rock drags plates

  • When heated molten rock rises, the molten rock drags the tectonic plate that is on top of the mantle with it.
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Pushed apart or dragged together

  • This means some plates are being pushed apart and some are being dragged together.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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