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A continent is what floats on top of the plate. There are continental and oceanic plates. The continents float on the continental plate and the ocean sits on the oceanic plate. But there are also plates that carry both continents and oceans. The plates are what causes continental drift. So basically plates are what carry the continents and oceans.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoA tectonic plate is a large piece of the Earth's crust that floats on the mantle. A continent is a large landmass. Continents are located on tectonic plates made of granite, while the plates at the bottom of the ocean are thinner and made of denser rocks.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoNo, there are several plates beneath some continents.
CHICKEN _
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoYes the United States is on one continental plate.
And if this is for science.... then i may just be right!! <33
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoNo. The continents are part of several of Earth's plates.
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∙ 13y agoAdd your answer:
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Why are continents not fixed permanently in location on the earths crust?
The continents are embedded in the top side of crustal plates which float on the surface of the mantle. Convection currents in the mantle carry the plates around and the embedded continents travel along.
Do continents drift slowly on earths upper mantle or earths core?
Continents drift on top of the upper mantle. The core is much further down.
What is the process in which continents move slowly?
Both continental plates and oceanic plates float on the top of the mantle. Convection currents in the mantle rock cause the top surface of the mantle to move in different directions in different places. The continental plates and oceanic plates floating on the top of the mantle are dragged along in the direction of motion of the top of the mantle directly beneath them.This process is part of the theory of plate tectonics, which explains many other things beyond the apparent movement of the continents.
What is the ocean of molten rock on which the continents float called?
There is no ocean of molten rock underneath the continents. Tectonic plates, both oceanic and continental, move on top of the ductile asthenosphere.
Why are the oldest parts of the earth's crust found on continents?
The older peices of the Earths crust are significantly lighter than the newer peices, (i.e. oceanic plates / basalt) forcing them to the surface.
Why are continents not fixed permanently in location on the earths crust?
The continents are embedded in the top side of crustal plates which float on the surface of the mantle. Convection currents in the mantle carry the plates around and the embedded continents travel along.
How can the presence of the seven continents on the earths surface be explained?
the earths plates shifted....
If Earths plates and continents are constantly moving what effect does this have on Earths oceans?
it creates waves sometomes tsunami's
What layer of the earths make up these plates and what layer are are the continents sliding on?
The plates on the top of the upper mantle are referred to as the lithosphere, which slides on the asthenosphere.well the mantle causes the continents to move on the ocean floor and sand it makes it slideyea know the crustti is i dont ge ehttt
Are the tectonic plates in the earths inner core?
No the tectonic plates are on top of the crust.
What theory of the formation and movement of the plates that cover the earths surface?
the movement and formation of the plates or continents is caused by conduction under the crust.
What is the theory of formation and movement of the plates that cover the earths surface?
the movement and formation of the plates or continents is caused by conduction under the crust.
Do continents drift slowly on earths upper mantle or earths core?
Continents drift on top of the upper mantle. The core is much further down.
What are the earths plates made of?
parts of the crust and upper mantle
What is the difference between a plate and a continent?
A continent is what floats on top of the plate. There are continental and oceanic plates. The continents float on the continental plate and the ocean sits on the oceanic plate. But there are also plates that carry both continents and oceans. The plates are what causes continental drift. So basically plates are what carry the continents and oceans.
What is the name of the large landmasses called that is part of the Earths crust geographers identify seven continents?
Tectonic Plates isn't it...?
Which process is currently accepted explanation of the movement of drifting continents?
the convection currents in the mantle under the earths curst is moving the broken plates in earths lithosphere causing the plates slide across the lithosphere. this process is called tectonics. (jon lay wrote this,)
