The motions of large portions of Earth's surface, the plates, are caused by
A) pressure variations in Earth's atmosphere, both daily and seasonal.
B) tidal flow in oceanic waters.
C) flexing of Earth's surface due to solar heating and nighttime cooling.
D) convective flow of material in Earth's interior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The motions of Earth's surface plates are primarily driven by the convective flow of material in Earth's interior. This process is part of what's known as plate tectonics, where the heat from the Earth's core causes molten rock in the mantle to move in a convection current, leading to the movement of the plates on the surface.

The Motions of Large Portions of Earth's Surface, the Plates