Answer:
The movement of plates relative to one another is due to a geological phenomenon called plate tectonics. This theory states that the Earth's lithosphere, which is composed of several large and small plates, is in constant motion. There are a few factors that contribute to this movement
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Convection currents in the mantle: The Earth's mantle, located beneath the lithosphere, is partially molten and flows slowly. This convective motion in the mantle creates circulating currents. As the mantle material heats up and becomes less dense, it rises towards the surface. As it cools down and becomes denser, it sinks back down. These convection currents can push and drag the overlying plates, causing them to move.
2. Ridge push: At mid-oceanic ridges, new crust is generated as magma rises from the mantle and solidifies. This new crust pushes older crust away from the ridge, creating a ridge push force. The newly formed crust acts as a force to drive the plates apart.
3. Slab pull: In subduction zones, where one plate is forced beneath another, the descending plate is denser and sinks into the mantle. This sinking motion creates a pulling force on the rest of the plate, known as slab pull. The weight and gravity of the descending plate contribute to the movement of the plates.
4. Transform boundaries: In some areas, two plates slide past each other horizontally along transform boundaries. The motion occurs due to the shear stress generated as the plates move. This type of movement is associated with faults, such as the San Andreas Fault in California.
Overall, the combination of convection currents, ridge push, slab pull, and transform boundaries contribute to the movement of the Earth's tectonic plates relative to one another.