What is the primary driving force behind plate tectonics?

The primary driving force behind plate tectonics is convection currents in the mantle. The Earth's mantle is composed of semi-fluid rock that behaves like a viscous material over long periods. Heat from the Earth's core creates convection currents in the mantle, which cause the mantle material to rise and cool, then sink again. This process creates a cycle of movement that exerts force on the tectonic plates above.

As these currents rise and fall, they drag the tectonic plates located on the Earth's surface along with them. This interaction between the convective motions in the mantle and the rigid plates leads to the movement of continents, the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. The concept of mantle convection provides a comprehensive explanation for the dynamics of plate movements and is supported by evidence from geological features and seismic activities associated with plate boundaries.