Question
Download Solution PDFThe geothermal gradient is defined as the increase in temperature with depth in the earth. Accordingly, in normal continental crust, the rate of temperature rise within the first 3 to 5 kilometres of the Earth's surface is approximately _________.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is 25 °C/km.
Key Points
- The rise in temperature with the earth's depth is known as the geothermal gradient.
- The typical geothermal gradient on Earth is approximately 25 °C/km at the surface, which is the rate at which temperature rises with depth on Earth.
- Not everywhere is it the same; in some locations, including hotspots like Yellowstone or mid-ocean ridges, the gradient can reach as high as 50 °C/km.
- There are low gradients in other locations, including the centers of ancient continents.
- Geotherms are indicated by the blue and red lines in the figure temperature-depth diagram, which is on the right.
- The geotherms provide a schematic representation of the temperature rise with depth for both an average and a high-gradient location.
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