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Contintal plates

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What is the name of the theory that explains how forces deep within earth can cause ocean floors to spread and continents to more?

The theory is called plate tectonics. It explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move and interact with each other, leading to phenomena like seafloor spreading and continental drift.


What kinds of ocean currents might cause seafloor spreading?

Oceanic currents themselves do not directly cause seafloor spreading. Seafloor spreading is primarily driven by tectonic forces, specifically the movement of tectonic plates away from each other at mid-ocean ridges. This movement leads to the upwelling of magma from the mantle, creating new oceanic crust at the spreading center. Ocean currents can affect the distribution of heat and nutrients in the ocean, but they do not play a direct role in the process of seafloor spreading.


Does seafloor spreading cause the earth's crust to expand?

Yes, seafloor spreading is a process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, causing the Earth's crust to expand. This occurs as magma rises to the surface, solidifies, and pushes older crust away from the ridge, creating new seafloor.


How are continental drift and plate tectonics related and how do they influence the movement of Earth's lithosphere?

Continental drift and plate tectonics are related because they both involve the movement of Earth's lithosphere. Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over time, while plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move and interact with each other. The movement of these plates is influenced by the forces of convection currents in the mantle, which cause the plates to move and collide, leading to processes like subduction, seafloor spreading, and mountain building. Overall, continental drift and plate tectonics work together to shape the Earth's surface and influence the movement of its lithosphere.


In which earth layer are most convection currents that cause seafloor spreading thought to be located?

Most convection currents that cause seafloor spreading are thought to be located in the asthenosphere, which is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's upper mantle beneath the lithosphere. The movement of these convection currents is believed to drive the motion of tectonic plates.

Related Questions

The seafloor spreading hypothesis indicates what as the primary cause of continental movement?

The seafloor spreading hypothesis suggests that the primary cause of continental movement is the upwelling of magma at mid-ocean ridges, which creates new oceanic crust. The movement of this newly-formed crust pushes the existing seafloor apart, leading to the gradual separation and movement of the continents.


How does seafloor spearing and continental drift link together?

Seafloor spreading and continental drift are linked through the theory of plate tectonics. Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-oceanic ridges, where new crust is formed and pushes apart the plates on either side. This process helps drive the movement of continents, as the newly formed crust pushes older crust away from the ridges and towards the continents, contributing to the overall process of continental drift.


A seafloor plate collides with a continal plate.what will happen?

The oceanic plate (sea-floor plate) is denser than the continental plate, so the oceanic plate will be pulled under the continental plate (subduction) and into the upper mantle, creating an underwater volcano.


What is the primary force that causes the continents to drift?

thermal convection is the primary force that cause the sea floor to spread


What is the name of the theory that explains how forces deep within earth can cause ocean floors to spread and continents to more?

The theory is called plate tectonics. It explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move and interact with each other, leading to phenomena like seafloor spreading and continental drift.


Could the earth's magnetic poles be the cause of continental drift?

No, the Earth's magnetic poles are not responsible for continental drift. Continental drift is primarily driven by the movement of tectonic plates in the Earth's lithosphere. The Earth's magnetic field does play a role in plate tectonics through magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, but it is not the primary cause of continental drift.


What might scientists now think might be a possible cause of continental drifts?

They think a possible cause of continental drift is because of seafloor spreading and the water currents below the continents. +++ You are sort of on the right track, but not near enough to have helped the 9 people Answers had already counted! Sea-floor spreading is part of continental drift, and the currents are not in water, but in the viscous rock Mantle.


What do scientist think now might be possible cause of continental drift?

They think a possible cause of continental drift is because of seafloor spreading and the water currents below the continents. +++ You are sort of on the right track, but not near enough to have helped the 9 people Answers had already counted! Sea-floor spreading is part of continental drift, and the currents are not in water, but in the viscous rock Mantle.


Does the seafloor cause more or less land?

more


What is the primary goal of propaganda art?

To spread a message or advance a cause


Did continental-continental or oceanic-continental cause mount Everest?

If my sources are correct, it was made by continental-continental. :)


What layer produces the magma that cause seafloor spreading and volcanoes?

the upper mantle