This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Why do we know that the geothermal gradient near the surface cannot continue very deeply into ... (Read 111 times)

ashley

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 584

Why do we know that the geothermal gradient near the surface cannot continue very deeply into
  Earth? What will be an ideal response?



Question 2

What is Earth's average density, what are the average surface rock densities, and what does this tell us
  about the interior of Earth? What will be an ideal response?




Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

dmurph1496

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 343
Answer to Question 1

If the geothermal gradient near the surface continued at depth, the temperature at only 100 km depth
would be so high that all known rocks would melt despite the high pressure.



Answer to Question 2

Earth's average density is 5.5 g/cm3, surface rocks range between 2.5 and 3.0 g/cm3, and, therefore, the
interior must be denser than the crust.






 

Did you know?

The first oncogene was discovered in 1970 and was termed SRC (pronounced "SARK").

Did you know?

The modern decimal position system was the invention of the Hindus (around 800 AD), involving the placing of numerals to indicate their value (units, tens, hundreds, and so on).

Did you know?

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines are the third most prevalent illness in the world. Women are most affected (18%), followed by children of both sexes (10%), and men (6%).

Did you know?

In ancient Rome, many of the richer people in the population had lead-induced gout. The reason for this is unclear. Lead poisoning has also been linked to madness.

Did you know?

Bacteria have flourished on the earth for over three billion years. They were the first life forms on the planet.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library