Question Which statement best explains the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point) Responses Earth’s crust is formed by the magma that rises in the mantle. Earth’s crust is formed by the magma that rises in the mantle. Earth’s mantle is made of rock plates that move across the crust. Earth’s mantle is made of rock plates that move across the crust. Earth’s core consists of rock plates that float on top of the mantle. Earth’s core consists of rock plates that float on top of the mantle. Earth’s crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.

The statement that best explains the theory of plate tectonics is: Earth’s crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.

The statement that best explains the theory of plate tectonics is: Earth's crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle.

The statement that best explains the theory of plate tectonics is: "Earth’s crust is composed of rock plates that float on top of the mantle."

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere, which is the rigid outer layer made up of the crust and uppermost part of the mantle. According to this theory, the Earth's crust is divided into several large and small plates that are constantly moving. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, a layer within the upper mantle, which allows them to move relative to each other.

This movement of the plates is driven by the convective currents within the mantle. Heat from the Earth's core causes the mantle to circulate, driving the motion of the plates. As the plates move, they interact and can form various geological features such as mountains, volcanoes, trenches, and earthquakes.

It is important to note that the other statement options mentioned the Earth's crust and mantle or the Earth's core, but they did not accurately describe the theory of plate tectonics. The core, for example, is not composed of rock plates that float, but rather, it is a dense, solid metallic region at the center of the Earth.