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Radioactive decay within the deep interior of the Earth causes convection currents in the magma of the mantle. The continental plates float on top of the mantle, and the currents push them. That is why continents drift.

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Q: What cause the motion of the plates?
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Related questions

What causes plates to stop moving temporarily?

Friction causes plates to stop moving temporarily. The motion of the magma under the plates will cause the plates to move again.


The Earth's tectonic plates are in constant motion due to several factors. Temperature and density differences in the plates cause push and pull forces that move the plates.?

mantle convection


Describe how the presence of faults and folds supports the idea that lithospheric plates are in motion?

Faults and folds just support the idea that there lithospheric plates are in motion because folds appear when the plates move towards each other. The faults appear when the plates drift apart and cause an empty space.


How does the motion of the tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


The Earth's tectonic plates are in constant motion due to several factors Temperature and density differences in the plates cause push and pull forces that move the plates?

The volcanic activey under the crust causes the tectonic plates to move


How motion along faults causes earthquakes?

The plates push against eachother and eventually slip which cause the ground to shake.


How does the motion of tectonic plates relate continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How does motion of tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How does newton's 2 law relate to tectonic plates?

Plates in motion will remain in motion unless acted upon by some other force. Plate tectonics is a lot more complicated than bodies in motion, you are dealing with a molten planet core and convection currents and a spinning earth, all of which are not subject to definitive calculations.


What keeps Earth in motion?

plates keep earth in motion


Is the motion of lithospheric plates a major cause of earthquakes?

It is the main cause of earthquakes. However you may get minor earthquakes due to volcanic activity or mass wasting events.


What is plate motions?

Motion of plates