Ben Lay

20011540

Jules Verne; Journey to the Centre of the Earth Analysis

In the extract given, a number of features regarding the interior of the earth are described. The first of which is that temperature increases on average by 1F per 70 feet. This is a currently accepted figure accepted by the scientific community for areas away from tectonic plate boundaries and areas of volcanic activity. It is called the Geothermal gradient. The second feature of the interior of the earth stated is that the terrestrial crust is 30 miles deep. This is around 48.28km deep, which is around the average depth of the earths crust in continental areas. It is thinner near constructive plate boundaries, and much thicker, as much as 70km in some mountainous areas such as the Himalayas. It also mentions that the temperature of the interior of the earth may reach a limit of heat, around 40C. This is not an accepted theory by the scientific community, as temperatures greater have been measured in deep mines, and that seismology states that the earths interior is composed of liquid rocks or magma. This is worked out by measuring how sounds waves pass through the earth, and there different speeds. It also is supported by the theory of plate tectonics. The geothermal gradient does slow in the mantle though. Axel mentions that according to the geothermal gradient, the temperature at the core of the earth would be 360,000F. It is in fact around 5,430C or 9,800F. This is measured by interpreting data from recording sonic waves travelling through the earths interior. This is due to the slowing of the geothermal gradient. It also mentioned that the theory of tidal effects on a liquid mantle would cause massive tidal effects on the crust of the earth, which is not seen. The reason for earthquakes is given as a bi product of the heat of reactions between metals such as sodium and potassium. Currently, the theory of plate tectonics is the most accepted theory, and is supported by evidence such as the fossil record, the jigsaw effect and mountain ranges on both either side of oceans. The tectonic theory states that convection currents in the earths surface moved plates across the earths surface. This causes pressure, which is released through volcanic activity at weak spots in the crust, such as plate boundaries. This shows that volcanic energy is a result of internal heat and not surface combustion as stated in the extract. As for the tidal effects caused by the sun and moon, they are recorded as Earthtide and the movement is recorded to be used to calibrate Satellites and GPS systems. There is also evidence to support that it may cause volcanic and seismic activity. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. http://www.geothermal-energy.org/314,what_is_geothermal_energy.html http://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/structure/crust/index.php http://www.livescience.com/7239-earth-temperature-hot.html http://www.ucl.ac.uk/EarthSci/people/d-price/papers/138.pdf http://www.livescience.com/7239-earth-temperature-hot.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/176156/Earth-tide