answersLogoWhite

0

Tectonic plates are part of the Earth's crust. They move because they float on top of the Earth's mantle, which is a layer of hot liquid rock, and there are currents in the mantle which exert force on the crust.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the difference between plate tectonic and tectonic plate?

Plate Tectonics is the process by by which the earth's tectonic plates move.


The part of earths outer layer that move are called?

The part of Earth's outer layer that moves are called tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle and interact with each other at plate boundaries, causing geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.


Which layer of earth are the convection currents that directly result in tectonic plate motion found?

The convection currents that drive tectonic plate motion are found in the asthenosphere, which is the semi-fluid layer of the earth located beneath the lithosphere. These currents are created by the heat from the Earth's core, causing the asthenosphere to flow and move the tectonic plates above it.


What is the theory that the lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move around?

That would be the theory 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.


What occurs when tectonic plate move?

A rift valley.


What are Large pieces of lithosphere that move around on the asthenosphere?

tectonic plate


The theory that explains how large pieces of the earth's outermost layer called tectonic plates move and change shape?

Continental Drift and the study of Plate Tectonics.


What layer of the plastic that underlies the tectonic plate is the?

The layer of the Earth that underlies the tectonic plates is called the lithosphere. It includes the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust, and is broken into several pieces known as tectonic plates. These plates move and interact with each other, leading to geological events like earthquakes and volcanic activity.


What semi liquid layer do the tectonic plates float on?

The tectonic plates float on the asthenosphere, which is a semi-liquid layer located beneath the lithosphere. The asthenosphere consists of partially molten rock that allows the rigid tectonic plates to move and interact with one another. It plays a key role in the process of plate tectonics.


What makes the plate move?

Plates move because of the intense heat in the Earth's core. The heat causes molten rock in the mantle layer to move.


Where tectonic plates move away?

At Divergent Plate Boundaries.