Question

The surface of the Earth is made of several tectonic plates that move at a very slow rate. What causes the plates to move?


explosions within the Earth's mantle


convection currents within the Earth's mantle


expansion of the Earth's core pushing on the tectonic plates


contraction of the Earth's core pulling on the tectonic plates

Answer 1

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily caused by **convection currents within the Earth's mantle**. These currents are driven by the heat from the Earth's core, which causes the mantle to circulate. Hotter, less dense material rises towards the surface, while cooler, denser material sinks. This continuous cycle creates forces that cause the tectonic plates to move slowly over time.