The surface of the Earth is made of several tectonic plates that move at a very slow rate. What causes the plates to move?
expansion of the Earth’s core pushing on the tectonic plates
convection currents within the Earth’s mantle
contraction of the Earth’s core pulling on the tectonic plates
explosions within the Earth’s mantle
The correct answer is: convection currents within the Earth’s mantle.
Explanation: Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle beneath them. As the Earth’s core heats the mantle, hot material rises towards the surface, cools, and then sinks back down, creating a continuous cycle. This movement generates the force needed to push and pull the tectonic plates above.