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Science

NickB79

(20,295 posts)

6. Yes, radioactive decay accounts for 80% of the heating

Reply to backscatter712 (Reply #5)

Sat Apr 27, 2013, 03:13 AM

Apr 2013

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_gradient

The Earth's internal heat comes from a combination of residual heat from planetary accretion (about 20%) and heat produced through radioactive decay (80%).[2] The major heat-producing isotopes in the Earth are potassium-40, uranium-238, uranium-235, and thorium-232.[3]

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The Earth's center is 1,000 degrees hotter than previously thought [View all] Jim__ Apr 2013 OP

Undoubtedly, they stuck the thermometer in at Rush's feet. Thor_MN Apr 2013 #1

How long until the Right blames this for global warming? Orrex Apr 2013 #2

Hell is hotter than we thought rightsideout Apr 2013 #3

Wow, that's cool...the technique and apparatus to make the measurement, that is... DreamGypsy Apr 2013 #4

Did I hear right (I slightly remember) that nuclear reactions generate some of Earth's core heat? backscatter712 Apr 2013 #5

Yes, radioactive decay accounts for 80% of the heating NickB79 Apr 2013 #6