Energy cycle of geodynamics and the seismic process

Estimates are obtained for the energy cycle of geodynamics, namely, the contributions of the geothermal flux to the generation rate of the kinetic energy of convective motions in the mantle and the generation of stresses in the crust that are later released during earthquakes. As follows from theoretical considerations, about half of the geothermal flux is spent on the generation of motions in the mantle, and the fraction of the total geothermal flux from the Earth’s interior that is spent on the seismic process is estimated at 0.5%. This estimate is obtained with the use of data of global earthquake catalogs. For volcanic processes, this fraction is smaller by two orders of magnitude. The energies required for the formation of the Earth’s surface topography and for seismic activity are comparable.