Force for the Plate Movement – Distribution of Oceans and Continents

The mobile rock beneath the rigid plates is believed to be moving in a circular manner.

This cycle is repeated over and over to generate what scientists call a convection cell or connective flow.

Arthur Holmes first considered this idea in the 1930s, which later influenced Harry Hess’ thinking about seafloor spreading. The slow movement of hot, softened mantle that lies below the rigid plates is the driving force behind the plate movement.