What triggers the movement of tectonic plates?

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily triggered by convection currents in the mantle. These currents are the result of heat from the Earth's core, which causes the mantle's material to heat up, become less dense, and rise towards the surface. As this material reaches the upper mantle and begins to cool, it becomes more dense and sinks back down. This cyclical process creates a continuous flow within the mantle that exerts forces on the overlying tectonic plates, causing them to move.

The mechanism of convection currents effectively explains how energy is transferred from the Earth's interior to the tectonic plates, leading to their movement. This movement can result in various geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. Understanding convection currents is crucial for grasping the dynamic nature of the Earth's lithosphere and how it interacts with other layers of the Earth.

Other factors such as magnetic forces, surface weather patterns, and the gravitational effects of the Sun do not significantly contribute to the tectonic movement in comparison to the powerful force of convection currents in the mantle.