Final answer:
Convection currents in the mantle drive tectonic plate movement, unstable isotopes like 238 U and 40 K create a geothermal gradient through energy release, and swirling iron in the outer core generates Earth's magnetic field.
Step-by-step explanation:
To match the causes with their respective effects:
- Convection currents cycle through magma is related to C) Tectonic plate movement. This is because convection currents in the Earth's mantle drive the movement of the tectonic plates. In areas like the Atlantic Ocean, plates move apart due to the rising current of hot material.
- Unstable isotopes inside Earth release energy contributes to D) Creation of the geothermal gradient. Isotopes like 238 U and 40 K release energy through decay keeping the Earth's core hot and enabling heat transfer through convection and conduction.
- Iron in Earth's outer core swirls due to convection currents is responsible for the B) Generation of Earth's magnetic field. The flowing of molten iron generates electric currents which in turn create the Earth's magnetic field.
Movement of tectonic plates can also result in earthquakes, volcanic activity and the creation of formations like the Hawaiian island chain due to mantle plumes, which are regions of hotter-than-average rock within the mantle. The Earth's interior processes like volcanism, earthquakes, and mountain building are a result of these dynamic movements.