Question

question 10 of 20 : select the best answer for the question. 10. which force is responsible for pulling a plate downward into the asthenosphere? a. air pressure b. magnetism c. gravity d. buoyancy mark for review (will be highlighted on the review page) << previous question next question >>

Explanation:

To determine the force pulling a plate downward into the asthenosphere, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Air pressure acts in the atmosphere and is not relevant to plate movement in the asthenosphere.
• Option B: Magnetism involves magnetic fields and does not pull plates downward into the asthenosphere.
• Option C: Gravity is the force that can pull a denser plate (like a subducting plate) downward into the asthenosphere due to the mass of the plate and the gravitational attraction towards the Earth's interior.
• Option D: Buoyancy is an upward - acting force, so it would not pull a plate downward.

Answer:

C. Gravity