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Plates at our planet's surface move because of the intense heat in the Earth's that causes molten rock in the to move. It moves in a pattern called a convection cell that forms when warm material rises, cools, and eventually sink down. As the cooled material sinks down, it is warmed and rises again.

Scientists once thought that just surfed on top of the mantle's giant convection cells, but now scientists believe that plates help themselves move instead of just Surfing along. Just like convection cells, plates have warmer, thinner parts that are more likely to rise, and colder, denser parts that are more likely to sink.

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What do most geologists think causes the movement of Earth and plates?

Most geologists believe that the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates is primarily driven by convection currents in the mantle. As heat from the Earth's core causes the mantle to circulate, these movements create forces that push and pull the plates on the surface. Additionally, gravitational forces and the interactions between plates, such as subduction and ridge push, also contribute to their movement. This dynamic process is fundamental to the theory of plate tectonics.


How do geologists think about volcanoes?

Geologists view volcanoes as dynamic systems that are influenced by the movement of magma beneath the Earth's crust. They study factors such as tectonic plate interactions, magma composition, and eruption history to understand volcanic behavior. By analyzing volcanic rocks and gases, geologists can assess eruption risks and predict potential activity. Ultimately, their research helps to improve hazard assessments and inform communities living near volcanoes.


What are the aspects that are important to a geologist?

Important aspects to a geologist include understanding Earth's processes such as rock formation, mineral composition, and tectonic plate movements. They also need fieldwork skills for data collection, analytical skills for interpreting data, and communication skills for presenting findings. Geologists must stay updated on scientific advancements and be able to apply their knowledge to areas like environmental protection and resource management.


What do you think may happen to leading edge of plate a as it continues to downward?

As the leading edge in forced down it is heated up and becomes part of the molten magma below.


Are plate tectonics and plate movements the same thing?

No they are not the same thing. Plate Tectonics is the study of mechanisms and the results of large-scale movement of the earth's crust. Tectonic Plates are large sections of the earth's crust that float on top of semi-molten rocks of the upper mantle.

Related Questions

What do geologists think causes earths plates to move?

The movement of the Earth's plates is known as plate tectonics. Geologists think the plates move due to a build up of extreme heat in the Earth's crust.


When plate movements cause the crust to bend downward what is formed?

Metamorphic rock i think?


What do geologists think cause the earth's plates to move?

Geologists believe that the movement of the Earth's plates is caused by the heat from the Earth's core creating convection currents in the mantle. These currents cause the plates to slowly drift and move over time, a process known as plate tectonics.


How do geologists think earths atmosphere formed?

how do geologists think earths atmosphere is formed


What caused the great valley?

Geologists think that the Great Rift Valley was caused by violent underground forces. Perhaps underground earthquakes and plate movement.


What do most geologists think causes the movement of Earth and plates?

Most geologists believe that the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates is primarily driven by convection currents in the mantle. As heat from the Earth's core causes the mantle to circulate, these movements create forces that push and pull the plates on the surface. Additionally, gravitational forces and the interactions between plates, such as subduction and ridge push, also contribute to their movement. This dynamic process is fundamental to the theory of plate tectonics.


Who do geologists think the Himalaya Mountains are rising?

Geologists believe the Himalaya Mountains are rising primarily due to the ongoing collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic activity causes immense pressure and uplift, resulting in the formation and continuous elevation of the mountain range. Additionally, erosion and sediment deposition play a role in shaping the landscape, but the dominant factor in their rise is the tectonic forces at play.


Why do geologists work backwards when studying rocks?

Geologists work backwards when studying rocks by examining the current rock layers and features to infer the past geological processes that formed them. By analyzing the characteristics of rocks and their relationships, geologists can reconstruct the geological history of an area and understand how it has evolved over time. This approach helps geologists uncover the sequence of events that shaped the Earth's surface.


How can you prove that the earth is subject to plate movement?

Earthquakes, mineral deposits, plate subduction areas/volcanoes, mountains... most anything you can think of is proof really. The above are evidences of plate tectonics. In addition, precise measurements of plate movements have been recorded with scientific instruments that track their speed and direction.


Is the world going to end next year?

the world isn't going to end next year . the Mayan calendar is the long count calenders , which is reset to day 0 every 1,872,000 . geologists are giving you the info(opinoin), maybe some peoples' opinion are telling you to believe and making you think that the world is going to end and the geologists SAY that this was there OPINION of whats going to happen to the future .... geologists are just using logical references and computer technology to image the future of whats going to happen


How do geologists think about volcanoes?

Geologists view volcanoes as dynamic systems that are influenced by the movement of magma beneath the Earth's crust. They study factors such as tectonic plate interactions, magma composition, and eruption history to understand volcanic behavior. By analyzing volcanic rocks and gases, geologists can assess eruption risks and predict potential activity. Ultimately, their research helps to improve hazard assessments and inform communities living near volcanoes.


Why do you think that the work of geologists is important to our daily lives?

geologists affect our lives in the following ways. they monitor seismic activities within the earths interior and are able to warn us of impending earthquakes and impending shockwaves geologists monitor volcanoes and are able tom predict when the next eruption will occur and the expected magnitude geologists are also important in the process of drilling boreholes as they have crucial information on the type of soil found in different areas and they can offer crucial advice in the process of drilling bore holes geologists also moniter the earths magnetic fields and can use this fields to date rocks which can then tell us crucial movements of tectonic plates