2007-02-17 13:54:15 · 10 answers · asked by 'Ya 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
As far as I know scientists have not found the answer to this one yet, they only have theories based on other theories that haven't been proven yet.
That said, the theory that seems most likely to me is that a large meteor/comet hit the earth, broke up the layer of rock under the crust that now make up the plates (either by impact or temperature stress) and the kinetic energy from the impact/cracking started the motion, and that motion continues because the molten rock under it acts as a lubricant and lets them slide all over like a dog on a frozen pond... But that's just my opinion.
2007-02-17 14:03:02 · answer #1 · answered by U Betcha 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
convection currents that rise in the mantle beneath the oceanic crust and create magma where two tectonic plates meet at a divergent boundary causes the uplifting of the ocean floor at the mid oceanic ridge
2007-02-17 14:23:22 · answer #2 · answered by blinkky winkky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These plates move in three different ways in relation to each other. They pull apart or move away from each other, they collide or move against each other, or they slide past each other as they move sideways. The movement of these plates helps explain many geological events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as well as mountain building and the formation of the oceans and continents.
2007-02-17 15:52:06 · answer #3 · answered by ian f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somebody needs to catch up on 8th grade science. Haha we were just reviewing this...I got a 68 on the test though =/ . Most boring course ever..
So I'm not even gonna try to confuse you and answer.
Something about the lithosphere or asthenosphere and natural energy and the oceanic ridge....it's also related to fault lines...
2007-02-17 13:57:29 · answer #4 · answered by KM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
convection of magma in the earth's mantle. cold magme gets closer to the core, heats up, then rises in a circular motion causing the plate on top to move.
2007-02-17 14:34:47 · answer #5 · answered by Alex 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The moving liquid base on which the plates sit.
2007-02-17 13:56:51 · answer #6 · answered by waynebudd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a thought - the constant eruption along the mid-oceanic ridge.
2007-02-17 13:57:47 · answer #7 · answered by bullwinkle 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This will help to answer your question, just click on it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics
2007-02-17 14:05:59 · answer #8 · answered by junkmail 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the molten lava that their floating on.
2007-02-17 13:57:47 · answer #9 · answered by halpinator36 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
paleomagnetism, google it!
2016-03-29 00:46:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋