Question

What is the main factor which determines if a terrestrial planet remains geologically active?
A. Active planets are bigger, so they release more heat.
B. Active planets have smaller metallic cores.
C. Active planets are closer to the Sun.
D. Active planets spin faster.

Answer 1

A

Answer 2

@563blackghost

Answer 3

Not D since the speed of Mars is comparable to Earth (day is 24 1/2 hours over there) yet it is not geologically active.

Mercury is the closest to the sun yet not geologically active at all.

I thought it was B first since a smaller metallic core meant there was more mantle...but that's kind of stupid lol

I kind of forget some of the reasoning for A, so if you know anything (:

Answer 4

I agrees wid yous cx

Bigger planets usually have more heat meaning the geological activity is more likely active on da planet. Smaller planets tend to have small to no amounts of activity. The Earth's center cools very very slowly, but it still contains the heat from when it was first born which is why it ish still hot and geologically active.

Answer 5

Way into the future the Earth will not contain any geo activity due to cooling.

Answer 6

Yeah. I asked one of my astronomy professors if the Earth would cool before Africa separated (if you have heard of the rift currently being created from the tectonic plates). Just an interesting thought since that would save the continent.

Answer 7

He didn't know though, wasn't his area (rightfully so).

Answer 8

mm interesting question e.e

i actually dun know dat either >.<