Tectonic Plates Flashcards
1
Q
How do tectonic plates move
(Step 1)
A
Convection is created in the mantle by heat radiating outwards from the inner core, due to its radioactive decay
2
Q
How do tectonic plates move
(Step 2)
A
The mantle material is under pressure due to its depth and when heated behaves like a viscous liquid
3
Q
How do tectonic plates move
(Step 3)
A
Heat derived from the earths core rises within the mantle to drive convection currents, which in turn move the tectonic plates.
Convection currents operate in cells
4
Q
How do tectonic plates move
(Step 4)
A
Where mantle convection cells make contact with the base of the crust they move the plates by frictional drag or slab pull
