Which statement best explains the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point)

Responses

Earth’s mantle is made of rock plates that move across the crust.
Earth’s mantle is made of rock plates that move across the crust.

Earth’s core consists of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.
Earth’s core consists of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.

Earth’s crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.
Earth’s crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.

Earth’s crust is formed by the magma that rises in the mantle.

1 answer

The statement that best explains the theory of plate tectonics is:

Earth’s crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.

This captures the essence of the theory, which describes how the Earth's lithosphere (the rigid outer layer) is divided into tectonic plates that move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.