0
How are convection currents important to the plate technics theory?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
movement of large sections of Earth's crust :) . _ NovaNET
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThey may function/serve as a driving force for the plate motions. Present thinking (2010) is that the currents may be caused by the sinking of dense lithosophere into the mantle.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Are plate tectonics caused by convection currents in the mantle?
That is the current theory of plate tectonics.
What is the geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's crust are in constant slow motion called?
Convection currents.
What do scientists call the theory that describe the motion of the plates?
The theory of plate tectonics describes how plates move. The main driving force is convection currents in the mantle.
What happens inside the earth that causes a plate to move?
Conventional theory hold that plate movement is due convection currents caused by heat from Earth's interior.
Plates of the lithosphere float on Core?
Plates of the lithosphere do not float on the core. They float on the asthenosphere (plastic mantle). Due to convection currents and the earths rotation, plates glide over the asthenosphere. This theory is the theory of Plate Tectonics.
Are plate tectonics caused by convection currents in the mantle?
That is the current theory of plate tectonics.
Why is the asthenosphere important to the theory of plate tectonics?
It is the movement of ductile rock in the asthenosphere caused by convection currents that creates movement of the lithospheric plates. It is the conveyor belt on which the plates move.
What is geological theory called that states that pieces of earth crust are in slow motion is called what?
Convection currents.
What is the geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's crust are in constant slow motion called?
Convection currents.
Why is the asthenosphere so important to the theory of plate tectonic?
It is the movement of ductile rock in the asthenosphere caused by convection currents that creates movement of the lithospheric plates. It is the conveyor belt on which the plates move.
What do scientists call the theory that describe the motion of the plates?
The theory of plate tectonics describes how plates move. The main driving force is convection currents in the mantle.
What happens inside the earth that causes a plate to move?
Conventional theory hold that plate movement is due convection currents caused by heat from Earth's interior.
Plates of the lithosphere float on Core?
Plates of the lithosphere do not float on the core. They float on the asthenosphere (plastic mantle). Due to convection currents and the earths rotation, plates glide over the asthenosphere. This theory is the theory of Plate Tectonics.
What is true about convection in Earth's mantle and tectonic plate motion?
Within the earth's mantle, which is semi-molten, there are convection currents caused by differences in temperature. These currents apply force from beneath to the plates of the earth's crust. The plates move slightly, which causes the very slow change in the shapes of our continents and oceans (and also causes occasional earthquakes).All of this is true about convection currents, however there is significant dispute as to whether the tectonic plates are actually moved by convection currents. It could equally be true that "There are no convection currents in the Earth's mantle". Although is is the best theory going, there has been insufficient evidence that these currents actually exist. Alternative theories include:Continental drag: As a plate is subducted beneath another, the weight of the sinking end pulls the rest of the plate with it. This causes continental drift. The biggest flaw is that not all plates even have destructive boundaries.Hotspots: Hotspots themselves are responsible for continental drift (a similar sort of idea to convection currents, but we do know that hotspots exist). The biggest flaw is that not all plates have a hotspot on them.
What is a brief description of plate tectonics?
A brief description of plate tectonics would be the theory that parts of Earth's lithosphere are always in motion, driven by the convection currents inside the mantle.
Theory that pieces of earths lithosphere are in constant motion driven by convection currents in the mantle?
Two words - plate tectonics - describe the theory that the surface of the earth is in constant motion.
What energy supply is needed to move huge pieces of Earth in the theory of Continental Drift.?
The plates of the earth's crust move as a result of huge convection currents within the mantle of the earth. These convection currents are caused by areas of different temperatures deep beneath the earth. The heat within the earth comes from radioactive decay and leftover heat from the earth's formation.
