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No, tidal drift is caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans, and it does not directly cause the movement of lithospheric plates. The movement of lithospheric plates is driven by the convection currents in the mantle beneath the Earth's crust.

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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.


How do physical properties of the asthenosphere support the ideas of continental drift and sea floor spreading?

The physical properties of the asthenosphere, such as its semi-fluid state and ability to flow, support the ideas of continental drift and seafloor spreading because they allow the lithospheric plates to move and interact with each other. The asthenosphere acts as a lubricating layer that enables the movement of continents and the creation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges. This movement is critical in the processes of continental drift and seafloor spreading.


Sea-floor spreading is a valuable theory as it relates to plate tectonics because why?

Sea-floor spreading is valuable in plate tectonics because it explains how new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges. As this new crust is created, older crust is pushed away from the ridge, demonstrating the movement of tectonic plates. This process helps support the theory of continental drift and provides evidence for the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


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

They now think that the continents are moving because of tectonic plates and how they move, or drift, apart.


What cause the motion of the plates?

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.

Related Questions

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.


Why can lithosphere plates drift or move?

convection currents cause movement in the asthenosphere


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.


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 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.


What process drives the lithospheric plates across the surface of earth?

The process that drives the movement of lithospheric plates across the surface of the Earth is called plate tectonics. This movement is mainly driven by the heat generated from radioactive decay in the Earth's interior, which creates convection currents in the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath the lithosphere. These convection currents cause the lithospheric plates to move, leading to phenomena like seafloor spreading, subduction, and continental drift.


Why is the asthenosphere important to plate tectonics?

The crust slides around on this layer. (Continental+Oceanic drift) It helps the theory of tectonic plates because continental drift is where the continents were one big island call Pangaea but we slid apart.


How do tectonic plates cause contenitial drift?

Because tectonic plates move, therefore if the continent is on it, it moves with it!


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 causes colliding plates?

tectonic movement can cause tectonic plates to collide, drift apart, or slide across one another


When continents break apart into separate land masses what it is called?

When continents break apart into separate land masses, it is called continental drift or plate tectonics. This process is driven by the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates.


What are sizes shapes and positions of the continents changed by?

The sizes, shapes, and positions of continents are changed by the movement of tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle, causing them to drift and collide over millions of years. This movement results in continental drift, leading to the formation of new landmasses, mountain ranges, and ocean basins.