Plate Tectonics: Understanding Ridge Push and Slab Pull
How does ridge push affect slab pull in plate tectonics?
Which statement best describes how ridge push can affect slab pull?
A. The lithosphere at an oceanic ridge is pulled down by gravity and exerts force on the slab, increasing slab pull.
B. The tension in the crust at oceanic ridges pushes on the slab, which causes immediate decrease in slab pull.
C. The tension in the crust at oceanic ridges pushes on the slab, which causes immediate increase in slab pull.
D. The lithosphere at an oceanic ridge is pulled down by gravity and exerts force on the slab, decreasing slab pull.
Answer:
The correct statement that describes how ridge push can affect slab pull is option A:
The lithosphere at an oceanic ridge is pulled down by gravity and exerts force on the slab, increasing slab pull.
Plate tectonics involves the movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is broken into tectonic plates. Two important forces in plate motion are ridge push and slab pull.
Ridge push occurs at oceanic ridges where new crust is formed. The denser lithosphere at the ridge is pulled down by gravity, creating a pushing force that helps drive plate motion.
Slab pull, on the other hand, is the force exerted by a subducting plate as it sinks into the mantle. This force contributes to the movement of tectonic plates.
Therefore, ridge push increases slab pull by exerting force on the slab. The combined effects of both ridge push and slab pull play a crucial role in plate tectonics and the movement of Earth's lithosphere.