How do plates
move?
Scientists do not agree on what exact
mechanism causes the movement of
the tectonic plates. They disagree
between whether it is Ridge Push – the
creation of ridges at the constructive
plate margin will push the rest of the
plate, Slab Pull – the denser crust as it
is subducted will pull the rest of the
plate with it or Trench Suction – the
plates get pushed into the mantle by
small convection currents in the Mantle.
Most scientists believe that Slab Pull is
the more important though all may play
a role.
, Why plates move -
Convection Currents
2) As the air
moves away
from the
heat source,
it cools
3)The cold air
then descends
downwards
1) Warm air and is reheated
rises
move?
Scientists do not agree on what exact
mechanism causes the movement of
the tectonic plates. They disagree
between whether it is Ridge Push – the
creation of ridges at the constructive
plate margin will push the rest of the
plate, Slab Pull – the denser crust as it
is subducted will pull the rest of the
plate with it or Trench Suction – the
plates get pushed into the mantle by
small convection currents in the Mantle.
Most scientists believe that Slab Pull is
the more important though all may play
a role.
, Why plates move -
Convection Currents
2) As the air
moves away
from the
heat source,
it cools
3)The cold air
then descends
downwards
1) Warm air and is reheated
rises
