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The mechanism that explains the movement of tectonic plates is primarily attributed to the theory of plate tectonics, which was developed in the mid-20th century. Key figures in the development of this theory include Alfred Wegener, who proposed continental drift, and later scientists like Harry Hess and Robert S. Dietz, who identified seafloor spreading. The driving forces behind plate movement are largely attributed to convection currents in the Earth's mantle, as described by geologists studying the Earth's internal processes.

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What kind of boundary is found where two plates move away from each other?

techtonic plates


What is the mechanism called that moves or drives the tectonic plates across the surface of the earth?

The way tectonic plates move is by the heat from the core that goes up to the mantle which pushes up the rock and pushes them together to form tectonic plates. Later the tectonic plates slowly go back down until the heat of the core reaches the mantle once again.


What mechanism moves lithospheric plates?

The movement of lithospheric plates is primarily driven by the process of plate tectonics. This movement is caused by the heat-driven convection currents in the Earth's mantle. As these currents circulate, they drag the overlying lithospheric plates along with them, causing the plates to move over time.


What do plates move apart on?

Plates move apart on divergent plate boundaries.


Mid-Ocean ridges are found where?

They are found at a plate boundary. When two plates move apart (divergent) magma rises through the gap.


Do all the tectonic plates move at the same rate?

No, tectonic plates move at different rates. Some plates move faster than others, while some plates move very slowly. The movement of the plates is driven by the underlying convection currents in the Earth's mantle.


Do oceanic plates move?

the ocean plates move because of the movement of the the tectonic plates beneath the ocean and do to the motion of the oceans currents.


What are the plates move around the earth?

tectonic plates


Does magnetism make the tectonic plates move?

No(see the explanation of the question "Why do the tectonic plates move?"


What kind of boundary do tectonic plates move together?

A convergent boundary is where plates move together.


What is the mechanism responisble for producing the new oceanic crust between 2 diverging plates?

The mechanism responsible for producing new oceanic crust between two diverging plates is seafloor spreading. Magma rises up from the mantle at mid-ocean ridges, solidifies upon reaching the seafloor, and forms new crust. As the plates move apart, this process continuously adds new material to the ocean floor.


Structures in earth that move on the asthenosphere?

Tectonic plates are the structures that move on the asthenosphere. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, driven by the heat from Earth's interior, causing them to slowly move and interact with each other, leading to processes like earthquakes and volcanic activity. The movement of tectonic plates is responsible for shaping the Earth's surface through processes like subduction, seafloor spreading, and mountain building.