Chapter 27, Problem 4TE

To determine

The reason for the movements of lithospheric plates.

Answer to Problem 4TE

The reason for the movements of lithospheric plates is the transform plate boundary.

Explanation of Solution

A transform plate boundary happens where two plates are neither colliding nor pulling apart. Rather, they are sliding horizontally past each other. This is usually seen in ocean basins and connects offsets in the mid-ocean ridges.

The offset ridge segments are connected by strike-slip faults that transform the motion from one ridge segment to another. Between the ridge segments, the lithosphere coming from one ridge moves in the opposite direction of the lithosphere coming from another ridge. As there is no tension or compression, they slide by each other, without any creation or destruction of the plates.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the reason for the movements of lithospheric plates is the transform plate boundary.