Question
Although tectonic plates are massive and solid, they are constantly moving. Why?
A
Earth’s magnetic field pulls them back and forth
B
Convection currents move the liquid mantle beneath them
C
Ocean currents and prevailing winds shift them from side to side
D
Underground volcanic eruptions force them apart
A
Earth’s magnetic field pulls them back and forth
B
Convection currents move the liquid mantle beneath them
C
Ocean currents and prevailing winds shift them from side to side
D
Underground volcanic eruptions force them apart
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is:
**B**
**Convection currents move the liquid mantle beneath them**
Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the rigid crust. These convection currents are caused by the heat from the Earth's core, which creates a flow of material that can push and pull the tectonic plates apart or together.
**B**
**Convection currents move the liquid mantle beneath them**
Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the rigid crust. These convection currents are caused by the heat from the Earth's core, which creates a flow of material that can push and pull the tectonic plates apart or together.