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Why do tectonic plate's move?

Tectonic plates are composed of the crust and upper mantle rock which is lighter than the more dense mantle. Rising and falling convection currents in the mantle cause imperceptibly slow movements in the plates (on the rate of fingernail growth). The source of the heat driving the convection currents comes from residual heat from the Earth's formative processes, pressure from gravity, and from radioactive decay of elements.there is also something called the slab-pull force. This occurs when a more dense oceanic plate subducts under a less dense plate and pulls the rest of the plate along. The subducting plate drives the downward-moving portion of convection currents.


What is the ultimate source of heat that moves the plates?

The ultimate source of heat that drives plate tectonics is believed to be the Earth's internal heat from radioactive decay in the mantle. This heat causes convection currents in the mantle, which in turn drive the movement of the tectonic plates.


Where is energy source found that drives the processes that form igneous and metamorphic rocks?

The energy source that drives the processes forming igneous and metamorphic rocks is primarily found within the Earth's interior. It originates from heat generated by radioactive decay in the mantle and core, which drives convection currents that bring hot molten material to the surface and causes interactions that lead to rock formation.


A very long lived magma source located deep in the mantle is called?

A mantle plume. These plumes are thought to be responsible for hotspot volcanism, where magma erupts through the Earth's crust in localized regions, such as the Hawaiian Islands. The source of mantle plumes is still debated among geologists.


Describe how convection pushes tectonic plates around?

Convection pushes tectonic plates around through the rise and sinking of heated liquid. Convection currents occur in the asthenosphere, and these currents contribute to the moving plates which are located just above.

Related Questions

What is the main source of downward convection flow in the mantle called?

slab-pull


Is the heat source for the convection current in the mantle in the sun?

The difference in temperature and density is the cause of convection currents in the earths mantle. Convection currents are the flow that transfers heat within a fluid.


Is the heat source for the convection currents in the mantle for the sun?

The difference in temperature and density is the cause of convection currents in the earths mantle. Convection currents are the flow that transfers heat within a fluid.


Is heat source for the convection currents in the mantle the sun?

The difference in temperature and density is the cause of convection currents in the earths mantle. Convection currents are the flow that transfers heat within a fluid.


The heat source for the convection current in the mantle is the su?

The heat source for the convection currents in the mantle is primarily the heat leftover from Earth's formation and the heat produced by radioactive decay of elements within the mantle. The heat from the Sun does not directly drive mantle convection, although it does play a role in surface processes like weather and climate.


Does the heat source for the convection currents in the mantle in the sun?

Bad grammar.


Is this truth or false the heat source for the convection currnets in the mantle is the sun?

False.


Is the sun the heat source for the convection currents in the mantle?

The heat in the Earth's interior comes from two main sources: the radiogenic heat produced by the radioactive decay of isotopes in the mantle and crust and the primordial heat left over from the formation of the Earth.


Where is the energy source found that drives the processes that form igneous and metamorphic?

Mantle convection


Where is the energy source found that drives the processes that form igneous rocks?

Mantle convection


Where is energy source that drives the processes that form igneous and metamorphic rocks?

Mantle convection


What is the heat source driving the convection current in earth's mantle?

Radioactive decay - mainly of potassium.