Question

According to the Theory of Plate Tectonics, why are the plates moving (and therefore the oceanic and continental crust as well) ?

Plate tectonics | Definition, Theory, Facts, & Evidence | Britannica

a
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are blown by the global winds across the atmosphere.
b
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are floating around on the semi-liquid asthenosphere of the mantle.
c
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are being pushed around by the weathering forces that affect the lithosphere.
d
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are being moved by conservation of momentum as animals walk across the surface.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

**b** The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are floating around on the semi-liquid asthenosphere of the mantle.

This option accurately describes the mechanism behind the movement of tectonic plates. The plates rest on a semi-fluid layer of the mantle called the asthenosphere, which allows them to move. The movement is driven by various forces, including mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push.