How Tectonic Plates Move

Friday, April 4, 2025

 


Tectonic Plate Movement Mechanisms: At least four mechanisms explain tectonic plate movement: mantle convection (magma rising and sinking), ridge push (newly formed, less dense rock pushing older rock), and slab pull (denser plate sinking and pulling the rest). Slab suction, caused by convection currents in the mantle wedge, also contributes. • Plate Boundaries: Tectonic plates interact in three ways: convergent boundaries (plates moving towards each other), divergent boundaries (plates moving apart), and transform boundaries (plates moving in opposite directions). • Mantle Convection's Role: The Earth's hot core creates magma, which rises, cools, and sinks, generating convection currents. This process is a primary driver of tectonic plate movement, similar to the movement observed in a convection model using beans.

Free Tectonic Plate Movement Worksheet

How Tectonic Plates Move

Answer Key Tectonic Plates Worksheet

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