The temperature within the Earth ________ with depth because rocks are poor conductors of heat and they contain small amounts of radioactive elements that generate heat.This gradual change in temperature with depth is called the ________.
A)increases, conductivity barrier
B)decreases, crustal thermocline
C)increases, geothermal gradient
D)increases, melting profile

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sentence mentions two factors that contribute to the gradual change in temperature with depth - poor conductivity of rocks and radioactive element-generated heat. This change is referred to as the geothermal gradient, making choice C the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because the sentence mentions that the temperature increases with depth, not that there is a conductivity barrier. Option B is incorrect because crustal thermocline is a term used to describe a layer within the ocean, not the Earth's interior. Option D is incorrect because while melting may occur at certain depths, the sentence is not referring to a melting profile specifically.

The Temperature Within the Earth ________ with Depth Because Rocks