The mechanism causing lithospheric plates to move is thought to be ________.
A) convection in the mantle
B) slab pull caused by a subducting lithosphere
C) tidal forces
D) Earth's rotation
E) a combination of convection in the mantle and slab pull caused by subducting lithosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The movement of lithospheric plates is thought to be caused by a combination of convection in the mantle and slab pull caused by subducting lithosphere. Convection in the mantle transfers heat and causes movement in the lithospheric plates above it. Slab pull occurs when a denser oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, pulling the rest of the plate along with it. This combination of convection and slab pull is known as the theory of plate tectonics.

The Mechanism Causing Lithospheric Plates to Move Is Thought to Be