Which of the following is true about tectonic plate motion? A.
Tectonic plates move in directions that closely match the directions of underlying mantle convection currents.
B.
Tectonic plates move in directions that are opposite the directions of underlying mantle convection currents.
C.
Tectonic plate motion is not related in any way to mantle convection currents.
D.
All tectonic plates move in the same direction and at the same rate.

A. Tectonic plates move in directions that closely match the directions of underlying mantle convection currents.

Explanation:

Tectonic plates move in directions that closely match the directions of underlying mantle convection currents. For example, oceanic plates and the underlying mantle rock both move in the same directions away from mid-ocean ridges. Also, oceanic plates and mantle rock both move downward beneath subduction zones.

Early ideas in plate tectonics theory suggested that mantle convection drives plate motion. However, more recent studies suggest that plate motion is likely driven by density differences among the plates and that ongoing mantle convection may actually be driven by plate motion. Regardless, evidence shows that tectonic plate motion and mantle convection are closely related processes.

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