Question

question 2 of 28
which statement best describes the source of energy for movement of earths crust?
a. radiation from the surface of the sun is transferred to the surface of earth.
b. conduction and convection allow thermal energy to move outward from earths core.
c. extreme pressure and gravity cause the lithosphere to expand and contract.
d. thermal energy vibrates through the crust along tectonic plate boundary lines.

Explanation:

The movement of Earth's crust is mainly driven by the transfer of thermal energy from the Earth's core outward through conduction and convection. The heat from the core creates convection currents in the mantle which in turn cause the tectonic plates (part of the crust) to move. Radiation from the sun affects the Earth's surface - atmosphere system but not crust movement directly. Lithosphere expansion - contraction due to pressure and gravity is not the main source of energy for crust movement. Thermal energy vibrating along tectonic plate boundary lines is a result of plate movement rather than the source of energy for it.

Answer:

B. Conduction and convection allow thermal energy to move outward from Earth's core.