Plate tectonics has caused many unidirectional changes over the Earth's history.Which of the following best describes why plate tectonics still continues to occur on our planet?
A) An internal heat source has kept the asthenosphere weak enough to flow.
B) Solar radiation warms the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
C) Meteorite impacts add heat and mass to our planet.
D) The magnetic field created by the Earth's core moves lithospheric plates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plate tectonics is driven by the movement of the asthenosphere, which is kept weak enough to flow by internal heat sources such as radioactive decay in the mantle. This is the most accurate explanation of why plate tectonics still occurs on our planet. Solar radiation, meteorite impacts, and the Earth's magnetic field may have some impact on geological processes, but they are not the primary driver of plate tectonics.

Plate Tectonics Has Caused Many Unidirectional Changes Over the Earth's