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What are the forces that move tectonic plates?

In: Chemistry, Plate Tectonics [Edit categories]

Answer:

Tectonic plates float on top of magma, and convection currents in that magma provide the force that moves the plates. The currents in turn are the result of heat from radioactive decay of various radioactive isotopes in the interior of the Earth.

First answer by David6023. Last edit by David6023. Contributor trust: 511 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].

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Relevant answers:

What is the force that moves the tectonic plates?
The current of the mantel below the plates melting, because of the Earth's core, and moving up and away. The process is always slowly repeating. This makes a current that moves the loose plates very...
Does the tectonic plates move about?
yes the plates can move slowly
How do you know that the tectonic plates move?
because when tectonic plates crash they generate earthquakes
When to tectonic plates move together?
When they move together they converge, causing the crust to rise to form mountains or hills and/or an earthquake occurs
Do tectonic plates move on the asthenosphere?
Tectonic plates are pushed and pulled, essentially floating, on top of the asthenosphere, yes.