Consider the following statements regarding the "Convection Cell" or "Convective Flow": 1. Heated material rises to the surface, spreads, cools, and sinks back. 2. This cycle occurs only once and stops. 3. It was first considered by Arthur Holmes in the 1930s. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only Explanation The Convection Current Theory, proposed to explain the force behind the movement of continents and ocean floors, suggests that the intense heat generated by radioactive substances in the mantle seeks a path to escape, giving rise to convection currents. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The mechanism involves heated molten material (magma) in the mantle rising towards the crust due to lower density. Upon reaching the lithosphere, it spreads horizontally, cools down, becomes denser, and sinks back into the deeper mantle. This creates a convection cell. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: This process is not a one-time event. It is a continuous, repetitive cycle driven by the constant generation of heat through radioactive decay and residual primordial heat within the Earth. These currents operate continuously in the molten mantle. - Statement 3 is Correct: Arthur Holmes discussed the possibility of convection currents in the mantle in the 1930s. This theory was significant because it provided a plausible explanation for the force driving continental drift, which Alfred Wegener’s earlier theory had failed to explain adequately. Key Takeaway: Arthur Holmes' Convection Current Theory (1930s) identified the thermal differences in the mantle as the driving force for plate movements, laying the foundation for the modern Plate Tectonics Theory.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 3: Distribution of Oceans and Continents

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Convection Cell" or "Convective Flow":

Heated material rises to the surface, spreads, cools, and sinks back.
This cycle occurs only once and stops.
It was first considered by Arthur Holmes in the 1930s.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The Convection Current Theory, proposed to explain the force behind the movement of continents and ocean floors, suggests that the intense heat generated by radioactive substances in the mantle seeks a path to escape, giving rise to convection currents.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The mechanism involves heated molten material (magma) in the mantle rising towards the crust due to lower density. Upon reaching the lithosphere, it spreads horizontally, cools down, becomes denser, and sinks back into the deeper mantle. This creates a convection cell.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: This process is not a one-time event. It is a continuous, repetitive cycle driven by the constant generation of heat through radioactive decay and residual primordial heat within the Earth. These currents operate continuously in the molten mantle.
Statement 3 is Correct: Arthur Holmes discussed the possibility of convection currents in the mantle in the 1930s. This theory was significant because it provided a plausible explanation for the force driving continental drift, which Alfred Wegener’s earlier theory had failed to explain adequately.

Key Takeaway:
Arthur Holmes' Convection Current Theory (1930s) identified the thermal differences in the mantle as the driving force for plate movements, laying the foundation for the modern Plate Tectonics Theory.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Distribution of Oceans and Continents

According to Alfred Wegener, which of the following forces were responsible for the drifting of continents? 1. Convection currents in the mantle 2. Pole-fleeing force 3. Gravitational pull of Jupiter Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Continental Drift Theory, consider the following statements: 1. It was first proposed as a comprehensive argument by Abraham Ortelius in 1596. 2. The supercontinent Pangaea began to split around 200 million years ago. 3. The northern component of the split landmass was named Laurasia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The "Mid-Oceanic Ridges" are characterized by: 1. A smooth dome at the crest. 2. A fractionated plateau. 3. A flank zone all along its length. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The "Pole-fleeing force" proposed in the Continental Drift Theory is attributed to:

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The mechanism involves heated molten material (magma) in the mantle rising towards the crust due to lower density. Upon reaching the lithosphere, it spreads horizontally, cools down, becomes denser, and sinks back into the deeper mantle. This creates a convection cell.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: This process is not a one-time event. It is a continuous, repetitive cycle driven by the constant generation of heat through radioactive decay and residual primordial heat within the Earth. These currents operate continuously in the molten mantle.
Statement 3 is Correct: Arthur Holmes discussed the possibility of convection currents in the mantle in the 1930s. This theory was significant because it provided a plausible explanation for the force driving continental drift, which Alfred Wegener’s earlier theory had failed to explain adequately.