Nearly all of the Earth's energy comes from the Sun. Where does most of the rest of the Earth's energy come from?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most of the rest of Earth's energy comes from thermal energy from the Earth's core. This is due to the radioactive decay of elements within the core which generates heat that is slowly conducted outwards. While ocean currents, thunderstorms, and atmospheric circulation do contribute to Earth's energy, they are relatively minor in comparison. Magnetic energy from the Earth's outer core is also important for Earth's magnetic field, but it does not contribute significantly to overall energy.

Nearly All of the Earth's Energy Comes from the Sun