The source or sources of internal heat of the Earth are:
A) tidal stress.
B) radioactive decay.
C) leftover heat of planetary formation.
D) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tidal stress, radioactive decay, and leftover heat of planetary formation are all sources of internal heat of the Earth. Tidal stress is caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's crust, which leads to the generation of frictional heat. Radioactive decay, particularly of isotopes such as uranium, thorium, and potassium, produces heat as a byproduct. The leftover heat from the formation of the Earth also contributes to its internal heat. All of these factors combine to drive the processes responsible for the Earth's internal heat, including plate tectonics, volcanism, and the Earth's magnetic field.

The Source or Sources of Internal Heat of the Earth