Give three processes that may cause tectonic plates to move

Thermal Convection, ridge push and slab pull are believed to be the processes that cause plate tectonics to move. Thermal convection is a process when the core of the Earth’s heat is transferred to Earth’s surface by mantle. Ridge push is when the mantle wells upward due to convection and raises the edge of spreading oceanic plates. Since the plates are higher at the spreading center, they are forced downhill because of gravity as a result, the ocean floor is flatten. Slab pull is the part of tectonic plates’ motion which can be accounted for through its subduction.

1. Mantle convection

2. Ridge Push

3. Hot Spot