What drives the motion of Tectonic Plates?Group of answer choicesTidal forcesConvection in the MantleContraction of Earth's interiorDynamo Effect
Question
What drives the motion of Tectonic Plates?
- Tidal forces
- Convection in the Mantle
- Contraction of Earth's interior
- Dynamo Effect
Solution
The motion of tectonic plates is primarily driven by convection in the Earth's mantle. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
-
The Earth's mantle, which lies just below the crust where tectonic plates are located, is heated by the core of the Earth.
-
This heat causes the rock in the mantle to become less dense and rise towards the crust.
-
As it moves towards the crust, the rock cools down, becomes denser, and sinks back towards the core.
-
This cycle of heating, rising, cooling, and sinking creates convection currents in the mantle.
-
These convection currents exert a force on the base of the tectonic plates, causing them to move.
So, the correct answer to your question is "Convection in the Mantle".
Similar Questions
What drives the motion of Tectonic Plates?Group of answer choicesTidal forcesConvection in the MantleContraction of Earth's interiorDynamo Effect
To what extent does plate tectonics shape the Earth's surface features and influence geological processes? (115 words)
11. What are sections of the Earth's crust that move due to convection currents?*1 pointSeismographConvection CurrentTectonic PlatesLithosphere
Consider the list of terms given below :(i) Seismic zone (ii) Fault zone(iii) Mantle (iv) Inner coreThe boundaries of the earth's plate are known as
what did scientists believe about the earths crust before the theory of plate tectonics?
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.