for why Earth's lithospheric plates move?(1 ResponsesThe solid iron core asthenosphere.The solid iron core asthenosphere.The convection currents within the asthenosphere.The convection currents within the asthenosphere.The solid iron lithosphere.The solid iron lithosphere.The convection currents within the lithosphere
The main reason for the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates is the convection currents within the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is a region of the mantle that is partially molten and has the ability to flow. These convection currents occur due to the heat generated by the radioactive decay of elements in the mantle, which causes the molten rocks to rise and the cooler rocks to sink. The movement of these convection currents drags the rigid lithospheric plates along with them, causing them to move and interact at plate boundaries. Additionally, the convection currents within the lithosphere itself can cause the plates to move. However, it is important to note that the lithosphere is not made of solid iron, but rather a combination of rigid rocky material.
