Question

which pair of forces do scientists believe are responsible for tectonic plate motion A friction between the plate and the asthenosphere and pressure of magma on the edge of the plate, B gravity acting on the edges of plates and friction between the plate and the asthenosphere, C convection in the mantle and pressure of magma on the edge of the plate, D gravity acting on the edges of plates and convection in the mantle

Answer 1

The pair of forces that scientists believe are primarily responsible for tectonic plate motion is **D) gravity acting on the edges of plates and convection in the mantle**.

Gravity pulls the edges of tectonic plates down (slab pull), while convection currents in the mantle create movements that help drive the plates apart or together. These two mechanisms work together to facilitate the movement of tectonic plates.