GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Plate tectonics is the scientific theory explaining the movement of the earth’s crust. It is widely accepted by scientists today. Recall that both continental landmasses and the ocean floor are part of the earth’s crust, and that the crust is broken into individual pieces called tectonic plates (Fig.

Detailed explanation-2: -Heat from deep within Earth is thought to keep the asthenosphere malleable, lubricating the undersides of Earth’s tectonic plates and allowing them to move. Convection currents generated within the asthenosphere push magma upward through volcanic vents and spreading centres to create new crust.

Detailed explanation-3: -The asthenosphere plays an important role in plate tectonic movement. The asthenosphere is situated underneath the solid lithosphere, where the tectonic plates are. The convection current occurs in the asthenosphere which allows lubrication of the tectonic plates.

Detailed explanation-4: -The plates move on a hot flowing mantle layer called the asthenosphere, which is several hundred kilometers thick. Heat within the asthenosphere creates convection currents (similar to the currents that can be seen in the lava lamp).