How can the flow of energy out of a planet’s interior affect its surface and atmosphere? a. In flowing outward, heat can cause convection currents in the mantle. These drive plate motions, quakes, faults, volcanism, mountain-building, etc. b. The outflow of energy cools the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, which leads to a decrease in erosion. c. The outflow of energy cools the atmosphere and Earth’s surface, which leads to the formation of ice and precipitation. d. In flowing outward, heat can cause convection currents in the atmosphere. This causes sediments and transport of air masses that feed rivers and lakes, and also destroys mountains.