What natural process occurring in the semi-solid Asthenosphere causes the Lithospheric Plates to break apart and move?
Gravity
Continental Drift
Uneven heating of the Earth from the sun
Convection Currents
The correct answer is Convection Currents.
To understand how convection currents play a role in the movement of lithospheric plates, we first need to understand the concept of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains how the Earth's lithosphere, which consists of several large plates, moves and interacts with each other.
Beneath the Earth's lithosphere lies a semi-solid layer called the asthenosphere. The asthenosphere is made up of hot, ductile rock that can flow over long periods of time. This layer acts as a lubricating agent between the lithospheric plates.
Convection is a heat transfer process that occurs when there is a difference in temperature within a fluid or a semi-solid material. In this case, the heating of the Earth's interior causes temperature differences within the asthenosphere.
Due to the uneven heating of the Earth's interior, some areas of the asthenosphere become hotter and less dense while other areas remain cooler and denser. This temperature difference creates convection currents within the asthenosphere.
The convection currents in the asthenosphere push against the overlying lithospheric plates. The force exerted by these convection currents is strong enough to cause the lithosphere to break apart and move. The motion of the plates is what we observe as plate tectonics, and it is responsible for various geologic phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
In conclusion, convection currents occurring within the semi-solid asthenosphere are the natural processes that cause the lithospheric plates to break apart and move, leading to plate tectonics and associated geological activities.