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There are a few different theories to the origins of plate tectonics. The Earths crust is rigid rock called plates. These plates move very slowly, basically a few centimeters per year. There are different types of movement, divergent (moving apart), convergent (colliding, one sinking below the other) and transform (sliding past one another). One theory of how they move, is that it's related to convection. Hot spots cause upwelling of continental crust, then it finally rifts apart, leaving room for oceans. Magma flows up into this rift, solidifying and pushing the two pieces further and further apart. As those two pieces move apart, there has to be someplace for the rest of the continent to go. Sometimes it subducts under another plate on the other side, sometimes it moves over top of another plate and in some areas it is sliding past another plate. That's the quick and dirty answer.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agobecause when magma comes up it breaks up the ocean floor magma cools it turns into an rock and it pushes new rocks in
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How does earth plates move?
The Earth's plates move due to the high pressure of the hot earth's core jostling them around
What are the plates move around the earth?
tectonic plates
How does earth affect surface area?
the plates move so it is the movement of the plates in the earth
How do the tectonic plates of the earth move?
no
How does the earth's plates move on top of the crust?
The Earth's tectonic plates do not move on top of the crust, they are the crust. The crust is made out of plates. The plates float on top of the mantle, which is made of molten rock, called magma. The plates move because of currents in the magma.
What do geologists think cause the earth's plates to move?
The movement of the Earth's plates is known as plate tectonics. Geologists think the plates move due to a build up of extreme heat in the Earth's crust.
Why do the earth plates move together?
earthquakes
Why do mountains move?
Mountains move by the plates under the earth moving. When plates move, often tsunamis and earthquakes happen. Mountains move 1 cm per year when the plates move!
What state move mean describes earths plates?
In human history no state has had to move because of the Earth's plates.
Does the sun makes Earth's plates move past each other?
No. The plates move due to forces within earth, likely a combination of mantle convection, and the uneven distribution of weight on the plates.
What is earth tectonic activities?
It is when Earth's tectonic plates move around.
Cracks form in the crust of the earth because?
there are plates that move in the earth
