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Which planet would you expect to experience more continental drift than earth?

O a planet that is closer to its sun than earth is to our sun
O a planet that has more water on its surface than earth has a planet
O that has a hotter temperature at its core than earth has a planet
O that has more oxygen in its atmosphere than earth has a planet that is much larger than our earth

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The planet expected to experience more continental drift than Earth would have a hotter temperature at its core, as this is the main driver of mantle convection and the subsequent movement of tectonic plates. The correct answer is option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The planet we would expect to experience more continental drift than Earth is one that has a hotter temperature at its core. Continental drift is driven by mantle convection, which is more vigorous if the planet's core temperature is higher. This internal heat powers geological activities, including the movement of tectonic plates. While factors like proximity to the sun, surface water, atmospheric composition, and planet size do affect a planet's geology to some extent, it is the internal heat that is most directly related to the process of continental drift.

For instance, Earth's active plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions are largely due to our planet's core temperature, which causes mantle convection. Other factors such as the presence of liquid water or the size of the planet can contribute to geological activity on the surface, but without sufficient internal heat, plate tectonics and hence continental drift would be minimal or nonexistent.

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