GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The forces that drive Plate Tectonics include: Convection in the Mantle (heat driven) Ridge push (gravitational force at the spreading ridges) Slab pull (gravitational force in subduction zones)

Detailed explanation-2: -Geologists have hypothesized that the movement of tectonic plates is related to convection currents in the earth’s mantle. Convection currents describe the rising, spread, and sinking of gas, liquid, or molten material caused by the application of heat.

Detailed explanation-3: -’Ridge Push’ and ‘Slab Pull’ are thought to be the major forces driving the motion of oceanic plates. Ridge push is caused by the potential energy gradient from the high topography of the ridges. Slab pull is caused by the negative buoyancy of the subducting plate.

Detailed explanation-4: -Beneath mid-ocean ridges, convection currents push mantle material upward. Ridge push is the force that is generated from uplifted oceanic crust along mid-ocean ridges being gravitationally pulled away from the ridge. This force acts in conjunction with the stronger slab pull and contributes to plate motion.