Earth's radius and surface area are_______ .
A) remaining unchanged as subduction rate equals divergence rate
B) slowly decreasing as more and more oceanic lithosphere is subducted
C) slowly increasing to accommodate the new oceanic crust being formed at mid- ocean ridges
D) expanding because atmospheric warming is making the lithosphere larger

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Earth's radius and surface area remain largely unchanged over time because the rate of subduction, where tectonic plates move under one another, is balanced by the rate of divergence, where new crust is created at mid-ocean ridges. This process maintains a relatively constant surface area.

Earth's Radius and Surface Area Are_______