Final answer:
The movement of continents is explained by plate tectonics. Driving forces, like convection currents, push the plates apart, while resisting forces, such as friction, impede their movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The movement of the continents is supported by the theory of plate tectonics. According to this theory, the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that are constantly moving. This movement is primarily driven by two forces: driving forces and resisting forces.
Driving forces, such as convection currents in the mantle, push the plates apart and cause them to move. For example, at mid-ocean ridges, magma rises from the mantle, creating new ocean crust and pushing the existing crust apart.
Resisting forces, on the other hand, act to slow down or impede the movement of plates. One major resisting force is the friction along plate boundaries, which prevents plates from easily sliding past each other. These resisting forces can build up stress over time until they are eventually overcome by the driving forces, resulting in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or mountain formation.
Learn more about Plate tectonics