Question

Which descriptions of tectonic plates are true?



Choose all answers that are correct.
Responses

move very slowly
move very slowly

number in the hundreds
number in the hundreds

can crush together to create mountains
can crush together to create mountains

move over the layer of Earth’s mantle

Answer 1

The following descriptions of tectonic plates are true:

1. **move very slowly** - Tectonic plates do move very slowly, typically at rates of a few centimeters per year.

2. **can crush together to create mountains** - When tectonic plates collide, they can create mountain ranges through a process known as orogeny.

3. **move over the layer of Earth’s mantle** - Tectonic plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, which is part of the Earth's mantle, allowing them to move.

The statement "number in the hundreds" is not accurate; there are typically around a dozen major tectonic plates and several smaller ones.