The rate of motion of a lithospheric plate with respect to a stationary hot spot is termed ____________.
A) relative plate velocity
B) absolute plate velocity
C) lateral plate velocity
D) Velocity of this motion cannot be determined.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of motion of a lithospheric plate with respect to a stationary hot spot is called absolute plate velocity. It is calculated by measuring the distance and time a plate has moved over a hot spot. The motion of plates can also be described in terms of relative plate velocity, which is the rate at which two plates that are in contact with each other move with respect to each other. However, in this question, it specifically mentions a stationary hot spot, which implies the need to calculate absolute plate velocity.

The Rate of Motion of a Lithospheric Plate with Respect