Which of the following energy sources is thought to directly drive the lateral motions of Earth's lithospheric plates?
A)tidal gravitational attractive forces of the Sun and Moon
B)electric and magnetic fields generated in and radiating from the inner core
C)export of heat from deep in the mantle to the top of the asthenosphere and descending cold material in a solid state convective flow
D)rotational spinning of the Earth, with the plates dragging behind

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The export of heat from deep in the mantle to the top of the asthenosphere and descending cold material in a solid-state convective flow is the most widely accepted energy source thought to directly drive the lateral motions of Earth's lithospheric plates. This process is known as mantle convection and involves the movement of heat and material through the mantle, which drags the overlying lithospheric plates along with it. Tidal gravitational attractive forces of the Sun and Moon can affect the velocity of plate motion, but they do not directly drive it. Electric and magnetic fields generated in and radiating from the inner core do not have a well-established link to plate motion, and the rotational spinning of the Earth plays a role in the overall behavior of the planet but is not the primary energy source driving plate motion.

Which of the Following Energy Sources Is Thought to Directly