A tectonic plate is composed of:
A) cool, rigid rock that rides on a continuous shell of molten magma.
B) cool, rigid rock that rides on a plastic mantle layer.
C) hot, plastic rock supported by a rigid foundation of cool rock.
D) cool, rigid rock that floats on the Earth's molten core.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tectonic plate is composed of cool, rigid rock that rides on a plastic mantle layer. The plastic mantle layer is made up of hot, partially molten rock that can flow over long periods of time. The rigidity of the plates causes them to break and move along plate boundaries, resulting in earthquakes and the creation of features such as mountains and ocean trenches.

A Tectonic Plate Is Composed Of