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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.
What is the boundary between plates where relative motion can cause a quake called?
the large sections of the earth's crust that move relative to each other
Are tectonic plates in a constant state of swift motion?
Tectonic plates are not in a constant state of swift motion; rather, they move at varying speeds, typically a few centimeters per year. This movement occurs due to the convection currents in the Earth's mantle, which can cause gradual shifts. While some plates may experience sudden shifts during events like earthquakes, the overall motion is relatively slow and continuous.
Does convection cause tectonic plates to move?
Convection currents in the mantle play a role in the movement of tectonic plates by driving the process of plate tectonics. As heated material rises in the mantle and cooler material sinks, it creates a circular motion that drags the tectonic plates above it. This movement influences the direction and speed of plate motion.
Why are the plates of the lithosphere in constant slow motion?
The plates of the lithosphere are in constant slow motion due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle. Heat from the Earth's core causes magma to rise, cool, and sink, creating a circular motion that moves the plates. This process is known as plate tectonics.
What causes plates to stop moving temporarily?
Friction causes plates to stop moving temporarily. The motion of the magma under the plates will cause the plates to move again.
The Earth's tectonic plates are in constant motion due to several factors. Temperature and density differences in the plates cause push and pull forces that move the plates.?
mantle convection
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.
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 motion along faults causes earthquakes?
The plates push against eachother and eventually slip which cause the ground to shake.
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.
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.
What is the plate motion due to gravity?
Plate motion is primarily driven by mantle convection, where heat-driven currents in the mantle cause tectonic plates to move. Gravity plays a role in pulling plates downward at subduction zones, where denser oceanic plates sink beneath lighter continental plates. Overall, plate motion is a complex interplay of various forces, with gravity being just one of the factors involved.
Is the motion of lithospheric plates a major cause of earthquakes?
It is the main cause of earthquakes. However you may get minor earthquakes due to volcanic activity or mass wasting events.
What keeps Earth in motion?
plates keep earth in motion
What is plate motions?
Motion of plates
What layer of the earth has convection currents that cause tectonic plates to move?
The asthenosphere, which is a partially molten layer in the upper mantle, has convection currents that cause tectonic plates to move due to the heat-driven circulation of rock material. These convection currents are responsible for the continuous motion of tectonic plates on the Earth's surface.
