what is the best explanation for why earth's lithospheric plates move?
the convection currents within the lithosphere.
the solid iron core asthenosphere
the solid iron lithosphere
the convection currents within the asthenosphere
The best explanation for why Earth's lithospheric plates move is the convection currents within the asthenosphere.
The asthenosphere is a layer in the upper mantle of the Earth that lies just below the lithosphere. It is partially molten and behaves like a plastic or honey-like material. Convection currents occur within the asthenosphere due to the heat generated by the core of the Earth.
In this process, hot material rises towards the surface, carrying the lithospheric plates with it. As the material cools, it becomes denser and sinks back down. This convective motion creates a continuous cycle of upwelling and sinking, which ultimately causes the lithospheric plates to move.
Convection currents within the lithosphere and the presence of a solid iron core may play supporting roles, but the primary driving force behind plate tectonics is the convection currents within the asthenosphere.