What must exceed frictional forces for a tectonic plate to move?

What must exceed frictional forces for a tectonic plate to move?

• A. Pressure
• B. Driving forces
• C. Tension
• D. Resistive forces

Answer: (B)

For a tectonic plate to initiate movement, the driving forces must exceed the frictional forces acting on it. Driving forces include various mechanisms such as mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push, which provide the energy necessary for plates to overcome the resistance created by friction with neighboring plates and the Earth's crust. While pressure, tension, and resistive forces are all concepts relevant to the mechanics of plate tectonics, they do not specifically address the need for the overall driving forces to surpass friction. Driving forces play a crucial role in setting plates into motion, as they are responsible for generating the necessary force to break free from the grip of friction and initiate tectonic activity.

For a tectonic plate to initiate movement, the driving forces must exceed the frictional forces acting on it. Driving forces include various mechanisms such as mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push, which provide the energy necessary for plates to overcome the resistance created by friction with neighboring plates and the Earth's crust.

While pressure, tension, and resistive forces are all concepts relevant to the mechanics of plate tectonics, they do not specifically address the need for the overall driving forces to surpass friction. Driving forces play a crucial role in setting plates into motion, as they are responsible for generating the necessary force to break free from the grip of friction and initiate tectonic activity.