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The tectonic plates move because the area below them (the mantel) is melted rock that is heated by the Earth's core. This causes the hotter lower area to float up as the upper area cools (called convection). This movement of the liquid rock causes the tectonic plates on top to move.

So the answer would be the energy responsible for the movement of the tectonics plates is heat from the Earth's core.

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What are located in the mantle and circulate molten rock?

Convection currents are located in the mantle, where molten rock circulates due to differences in temperature and density. This movement is responsible for driving plate tectonics and can cause volcanic activity and earthquakes.


What are the names of the region in earth's interior where convection currents occur?

The region in Earth's interior where convection currents occur is called the mantle. Convection currents in the mantle are responsible for driving plate tectonics and shaping Earth's surface features through processes like subduction and sea-floor spreading.


Is the mantle made of hot and solid rock that can flow?

Yes, the mantle is made of solid rock that can flow due to its high temperature and pressure. This slow flowing movement of the mantle is known as mantle convection and is responsible for driving plate tectonics.


Which layer does convection occur?

Convection occurs primarily in the Earth's mantle, which is part of the Earth's interior. Heat from the core causes molten rock to rise, cool, and then sink again, creating a continuous cycle of heat transfer known as mantle convection. This process is responsible for driving plate tectonics and shaping the Earth's surface features.


What is the circular motion of heated materials thought to be driving force of plate tectonics?

The circular motion of heated materials in the Earth's mantle is thought to be the driving force behind plate tectonics. This convection current in the mantle causes plates on the Earth's surface to move and interact with each other, leading to processes like seafloor spreading, subduction, and continental drift.

Related Questions

What are located in the mantle and circulate molten rock?

Convection currents are located in the mantle, where molten rock circulates due to differences in temperature and density. This movement is responsible for driving plate tectonics and can cause volcanic activity and earthquakes.


Did the upper mantle or core of earths surface drive the plate tectonics?

The mantle, being of a silly-putty-like consistancy, is responsible for the movement of the plates on earth's crust, or plate tectonics.


What happens as thermal energy is transferred from core to mantle?

As thermal energy is transferred from the core to the mantle, it causes convection currents to form in the mantle. These currents play a key role in driving plate tectonics and causing movement of Earth's lithosphere. This movement leads to processes such as seafloor spreading, subduction, and volcanic activity.


What are the names of the region in earth's interior where convection currents occur?

The region in Earth's interior where convection currents occur is called the mantle. Convection currents in the mantle are responsible for driving plate tectonics and shaping Earth's surface features through processes like subduction and sea-floor spreading.


Is the mantle made of hot and solid rock that can flow?

Yes, the mantle is made of solid rock that can flow due to its high temperature and pressure. This slow flowing movement of the mantle is known as mantle convection and is responsible for driving plate tectonics.


What layer of Earth can you find convection currents?

Convection currents can be found in the mantle layer of Earth, specifically in the asthenosphere. These currents are responsible for driving tectonic plate movements and are a key component of the process of plate tectonics.


How does a lava lamp relate to mantle convention and plate tectonics?

A lava lamp can be used as an analogy to help understand mantle convection. In a lava lamp, heated wax rises to the top, cools and then sinks, creating a circular motion. This movement is similar to how the mantle of the Earth convects, with hot material rising and cooler material sinking, driving plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is driven by the convection currents in the mantle, causing the plates to move and interact at the Earth's surface.


How is energy transferred through the earth?

Energy is transferred through the Earth primarily through conduction. This is when heat energy is transferred from one material to another through direct contact. In the Earth's mantle, however, convection also plays a role in transferring heat and driving processes like plate tectonics.


How does flow of heat energy in the mantle effect the rock material?

The flow of heat energy in the mantle causes convection currents that drive the movement of the solid rock material. This movement plays a key role in driving plate tectonics and shaping the Earth's surface through processes such as seafloor spreading and subduction. It also influences the distribution of volcanic activity and earthquake patterns.


Which layer does convection occur?

Convection occurs primarily in the Earth's mantle, which is part of the Earth's interior. Heat from the core causes molten rock to rise, cool, and then sink again, creating a continuous cycle of heat transfer known as mantle convection. This process is responsible for driving plate tectonics and shaping the Earth's surface features.


What is the motion of earth's crust on the mantle?

Tectonics.


How much heat does the earths mantel?

The Earth's mantle is responsible for generating most of the planet's heat through radioactive decay of elements like uranium, thorium, and potassium. It is estimated to produce around 47 terawatts of heat energy. This heat drives geological processes like plate tectonics and mantle convection.