Question

Where does the heat come from that drives this convection current in the mantle

Answer 1

Answer:

Earth's interior (Core)

Explanation:

The earth is comprised of 3 distinct layers namely the Core, the Mantle and the Crust, which are divided based on their composition as well as density.

The core of the earth is extremely very hot where the inner core remains solid and outer core acts a liquid. It is mainly comprised of iron, nickel and other siderophile elements.

A large amount of heat (energy) is radiated from this core region towards the surface of the earth. Due to this, the mantle rocks forms magma that creates the convection currents, where the hot and less dense magma rises upward and the cool and denser magma sinks to the bottom. This occurs continuously, as a result of which the lithospheric plates are forced to move over the less dense layer of asthenosphere.

Thus, the heat energy that drives the convection current in the mantle is provided from the interior (core) of the earth.