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Tectonic plates move very slowly, but earthquakes are quite sudden. So, there are elements of slow change and fast change. Continental drift is slow.

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Why does the rate of movement of tectonic plates change?

The rate of movement of tectonic plates can change due to forces acting on them, such as convection currents in the mantle or the collision of plates. These forces can speed up or slow down the movement of the plates over time.


What is the tearm for the slow movement of earth outer layer?

The Tectonic plates shifting


If the asthenosphere cooled and stopped flowing how would you expect the movement of tectonic plates in the lithosphere to change Tectonic plates would?

If the asthenosphere stopped flowing due to cooling, tectonic plate movement in the lithosphere would likely slow down or even halt. The asthenosphere's convection currents drive the movement of tectonic plates by dragging them along as they flow. Without this driving force, the movement of tectonic plates would be significantly impacted, leading to reduced or stagnant plate motion.


How fast slow do the plates move?

1To 2 inches


What are the huge slow moving pieces of the earth's crust and upper mantle?

They are Tectonic Plates I think there are 9 of them.


How do the tectonic plates moved the continents?

The continents are part of Earth's tectonic plate system, when the plates move the continents move with them. The plate movement is driven by slow mantle convection driven by the heat in Earth's core.


Is a land slide a fast or slow change?

slow


Can tectonic plates change direction?

Yes, in fact millions of years ago the Pacific plate did change direction from North to Northwest! you can know because there's a bend in the Hawaiian chain of islands and sea-mounts combined! you can see the bend on your globe, it's a big bend.


Is the movement of earthis plates fast or slow explain?

The movement of Earth's tectonic plates is slow, with average speeds ranging from 2 to 5 centimeters per year. Although this movement may seem gradual, over millions of years it can cause significant geological changes on Earth's surface, such as the creation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.


What instruments are used to study the shifting of the plates?

Geologists use instruments like GPS receivers and seismometers to study the shifting of tectonic plates. GPS receivers measure the movement of the ground surface, while seismometers detect seismic waves generated by plate movements. These tools help scientists monitor and understand the dynamics of plate tectonics.


What is the solid plastic layer upon which tectonic plates move?

The solid plastic layer upon which tectonic plates move is called the asthenosphere. It is located beneath the lithosphere and consists of partially molten rock that allows for the slow flow and movement of tectonic plates. This movement is driven by convection currents in the underlying mantle, facilitating the dynamic processes of plate tectonics.


The movement of the tectonic plates changes the number of continents on Earth. This change would be seen over?

millions of years.