Driving Mechanism of Plate Motion

Mantle convection is the process where heat from Earth’s interior causes mantle material to rise and sink, moving tectonic plates.

• True

• False

Slab pull occurs when a dense oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, dragging the rest of the plate behind it.

• True

• False

Ridge push happens when plates are pulled toward the mid-ocean ridge.

• True

• False

The heat from the Earth's core does not affect the movement of tectonic plates.

• True

• False

Mantle rocks expand and become less dense when heated from below.

• True

• False

Ridge push is caused by the weight of the subducting slab pulling the plate.

• True

• False

Mantle convection currents act like a conveyor belt, carrying tectonic plates along.

• True

• False

Slab pull is considered one of the strongest forces driving plate motion.

• True

• False

The elevation of mid-ocean ridges plays no role in plate movement.

• True

• False

All three forces—mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push—work together to move tectonic plates.

• True

• False