Explain how convection currents in the mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Heat is produced through the radioactive decay of elements in the inner core. This heats the lower mantle, causing the magma to become less dense and rise. Once it reaches the upper mantle it cools, becomes more dense and sinks. This process repeats forming convection currents throughout the mantle which are strong enough to drive plate movement of a few centimeters per year.

Answered by Kat G. Geography tutor

4049 Views

See similar Geography GCSE tutors

Related Geography GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the three main plate boundaries and what do they do?


Explain the formation of a corrie


What defines a country as a superpower?


How is a corrie formed?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences