Class test plate answers

Using Fig. 5, explain the formation of fold mountains. At the convergent plate boundary, a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide.  The denser oceanic plate is forced to sink under the thicker and lighter continental plate, forming the subduction zone. The lighter continental plate overrides the denser oceanic plate to fold and crumple to form fold mountain.

Explain why and how tectonic plates move.

Tremendous heat found in the Earth’s interior causes rocks in the mantle to melt and become magma. Magma in the mantle is heated, expands and rises, pulling the plates apart. The rising magma spreads out below the plate, cools and sinks, dragging the plates together. The continuous heating and cooling of the magma in the mantle causes a circular movement known as the convection current.  OR  - slab pull force - oceanic plate subducts under continental plate and pulls the plate along