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Heat escaping from Earth's core drives the mantle convection currents which move the Earth's lithospheric, tectonic plates.
The heat in the Earth's core was originally a result of the gravimetric potential energy released as the Earth's materials collapsed out of the solar nebular. This heat melted the whole Earth and the various components separated into layers related to their density. All the heavy stuff - Iron, Nickel, gold and the radioactive elements went to Earth's centre. Over geologic time all this heat would have dissipated and the Earth should have cooled and completely solidified by now (there would be no plate movement as has happened on Mars).
However, the quantity of radioactive elements packed into the core means that the energy from these as they decay (by fission) has kept Earth's core molten and hot (as hot as the surface of the Sun). So the forces moving the lithospheric plates are "nuclear powered".
If one goes back further, the radioactive elements (all elements heavier than Iron) are made in the explosion of large stars called supernovas. So ultimately the force powering the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates is the explosion of a star. Isn't that amazing!
What else can I help you with?
Which theory explains the force powerful enough to send gigantic plates sliding around the earth?
Plate tectonics theory explains how Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move around on the asthenosphere underneath. The force driving the movement of these plates is primarily attributed to the heat generated from Earth's interior, causing convection currents in the asthenosphere. This movement leads to the shifting of tectonic plates and the associated geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
What is the driving force of plate tectonics'?
That force is caused by the convection currents in the magma below the plates.
How is competition a driving force in society?
Competition would be the driving force of exclusion
The force that occurs when plates are pushed together?
The force that occurs when plates are pushed together is called compressional force. This type of force causes the plates to collide and can lead to the formation of mountain ranges or subduction zones, depending on the type of plate boundary involved.
Do scientists think plates are moved by convection currents or volcanoes?
Scientists believe that tectonic plates are moved primarily by convection currents in the Earth's mantle. Although volcanoes can play a role in some plate movements, such as at subduction zones, they are not the primary driving force behind the overall motion of tectonic plates.
What is the Driving Force For Movement Of The Lithospheric Plates?
unequal distribution of heat within Earth.
What is the driving force for the movement of the lithosphere plates?
The driving force for the movement of lithospheric plates is convection currents in the mantle. Heat from the Earth's core causes the mantle material to rise, cool, and sink, creating a cycle of circulating currents that move the rigid lithospheric plates above them. This convection process is the main mechanism driving plate tectonics.
What is a basal drag?
It is a force that could be contributing or complementing mantle convectional currents in the movements of lithospheric or tectonic plates. This force is generated when there is friction between convectional currents and the lithospheric or tectonic plate that lies above.
What causes lithospheric plates to build up pressure and finally give along transfrom faults?
Lithospheric plates build up pressure due to the movement of mantle convection currents, which exert forces on the overlying plates. When the force exceeds the strength of the rocks along a transform fault, the built-up pressure is released, causing the plates to give way and produce an earthquake.
Where does slab pull take place?
Slab pull takes place at subduction zones, where denser oceanic lithospheric plates sink into the mantle due to their own weight, creating a pulling force on the rest of the plate. This process is one of the driving forces for plate tectonics and helps drive the movement of tectonic plates.
What is the driving force of the movement lithosphere plates?
unequal distribution of heat within Earth.
Could it be the marine currents a driving force behind plates tectonics?
No. For one thing, the ocean currents do not match up with the movements of plates. Second, the force behind those currents is not enough to drive plate movements.
What is the basic driving force for plate movement?
The basic driving force for plate movement is convection currents in the mantle. Heat from the Earth's core causes the mantle rock to flow in a circular motion, moving the tectonic plates above it. This movement of the plates is responsible for processes such as seafloor spreading, subduction, and continental drift.
What is the driving force for seafloor spreading?
The driving force for seafloor spreading is the movement of tectonic plates. As magma rises from the mantle to the surface at mid-ocean ridges, it creates new oceanic crust which pushes the existing plates apart, causing seafloor spreading. This process is part of the larger theory of plate tectonics.
What theory describes the motion of the force driving the Earth's plates?
The theory that describes the motion of the force driving the Earth's plates is called plate tectonics. It explains how the lithosphere is divided into several large, rigid plates that move over the asthenosphere due to the motion of convection currents in the mantle. This movement causes interactions at plate boundaries, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains.
How do you work out the moment?
To work out the moment of a force you times the force by the distance the force is from the pivot. So, basically: Moment = force x distance.
What discovery caused scientists to rethink wegeners continental drift theory?
The discovery of mid-ocean ridges and the process of seafloor spreading in the 1960s caused scientists to rethink Wegener's theory of continental drift. This new evidence provided a mechanism for how continents could move apart and lent support to the concept of plate tectonics as the driving force behind the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
