What is the driving mechanism for plate tectonics?
A) heat deep within the Earth
B) tidal forces caused by the moon
C) volcanoes and earthquakes at plate boundaries
D) a little man with a steering wheel in Tierra del Fuego
E) none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The driving mechanism for plate tectonics is the heat deep within the Earth. This heat causes the convection currents in the mantle, which move the plates on the surface of the Earth. Tidal forces caused by the moon and volcanoes and earthquakes at plate boundaries are both consequences of plate tectonics, but they are not the driving mechanism. Option D is obviously false and Option E does not provide any correct answer.

What Is the Driving Mechanism for Plate Tectonics