How is mantle convection responsible for the movements of tectonic plates What do ridge push and slab pull have to do with the process?

Lithospheric plates are part of a planetary scale thermal convection system. The energy source for plate tectonics is Earth’s internal heat while the forces moving the plates are the “ridge push” and “slab pull” gravity forces. It was once thought that mantle convection could drive plate motions.

How is mantle convection responsible for the movement of tectonic plates?

Geologists have hypothesized that the movement of tectonic plates is related to convection currents in the earth’s mantle. Tremendous heat and pressure within the earth cause the hot magma to flow in convection currents. These currents cause the movement of the tectonic plates that make up the earth’s crust.

How do ridge push and slab pull move tectonic plates?

“ridge push” The lithosphere thickens with distance (and time) away from the midocean ridge. “slab pull” As lithospheric plates move away from midocean ridges they cool and become denser. They eventually become more dense than the underlying hot mantle.

What do ridge push and slab pull have to do with the process?

‘Ridge Push’ and ‘Slab Pull’ are thought to be the major forces driving the motion of oceanic plates. Ridge push is caused by the potential energy gradient from the high topography of the ridges. Slab pull is caused by the negative buoyancy of the subducting plate.

What is the convection mantle process?

Mantle convection is the process by which the excess heat in the Earth’s deep interior is transferred to its surface through the fluid-like motions of the rocks in the mantle. Convection occurs in the Earth’s mantle because it is the most efficient way for the Earth to cool or dispose of its deep-seated heat content.

How does convection cause the motion of plates that drives plate tectonics quizlet?

Part of the mantle consists of the molten material that circulates in convection currents beneath the earths crust. This process drives plate tectonics. the transfer of thermal energy (heat) from the core by the circulation or movement of Mantle material. Believed to be the driving force of plate tectonics.

How does convection affect plate tectonics?

As tectonic plates slowly move away from each other, heat from the mantle’s convection currents makes the crust more plastic and less dense. The less-dense material rises, often forming a mountain or elevated area of the seafloor. Eventually, the crust cracks.

Why do plates move convection currents?

The Earth’s crust is broken up into pieces called plates. The crust moves because of movements deep inside the earth. Heat rising and falling inside the mantle creates convection currents generated by radioactive decay in the core. The convection currents move the plates.

Why does convection happen in the mantle?

The mantle is heated from below (the core), and in areas that are hotter it rises upwards (it is buoyant), whereas in areas that are cooler it sink down. This results in convection cells in the mantle, and produces horizontal motion of mantle material close to the Earth surface.

What role are mantle plumes thought to play in the convective flow in the mantle?

. What role are mantle plumes thought to play in the convective flow of the mantle? : It is suggested that they cause continental break up like Pangaea. Mantle plumes may play an important role in the formation of mineral deposits e.g., nickel, chromium, platinum, palladium.

What is mantle convection and why is it important?

This flow, called mantle convection, is an important method of heat transport within the Earth. Mantle convection is the driving mechanism for plate tectonics, which is the process ultimately responsible for producing earthquakes, mountain ranges, and volcanos on Earth.

What is the difference between ridge push and mantle convection?

Mantle convection involves currents in the outer mantle carrying plates along on top. Ridge push is caused by the higher elevation new plate material at constructive plate margins pushing downwards and outwards. Slab pull is caused by old cold subducting plate sinking beneath subduction zones, pulling the rest of the plate behind it.

How does mantle convection drive plate tectonics?

When it sinks down, it breaks it apart (compressional force). These tensional and compressional forces are what drives plate tectonics. They break apart the whole lithosphere into 7 major plate tectonics and 12 or so minor ones. Now, that we know mantle convection tears the brittle lithosphere apart which is also called “slab pull”.

How do heat and gravity drive plate tectonics?

Heat and gravity are fundamental to the process. Lithospheric plates are part of a planetary scale thermal convection system. The energy source for plate tectonics is Earth’s internal heat while the forces moving the plates are the “ridge push” and “slab pull” gravity forces. It was once thought that mantle convection could drive plate motions.

What happens when the mantle rises and sinks?

As mantle convection rises, it breaks apart the Earth to form mid-oceanic ridges (tensional force). When it sinks down, it breaks it apart (compressional force). These tensional and compressional forces are what drives plate tectonics.