Question

select the correct answer.
the earths inner core reaches temperatures that are at times greater than 9000°f. what causes this layer to remain solid despite the high temperature?
a. the constant shifting of continental plates
b. extreme sways in temperature
c. plate tectonics
d. the immense pressure that it is under

Explanation:

To determine why the Earth's inner core remains solid despite high temperatures, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Continental plate shifting (plate tectonics) affects the crust and upper mantle, not the inner core's state. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Temperature "sways" don't explain solidity; high temp usually melts, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Plate tectonics is about crust/mantle movement, not inner core solidity. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Immense pressure in the inner core (from overlying layers) increases the melting point of iron/nickel, keeping it solid despite high temp. This matches geoscience principles.

Answer:

D. the immense pressure that it is under