Question: Why do the tectonic plates float on the asthenosphere ?
Keywords: asthenosphere, float, tectonic plates
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Hi teodoratudoran28,
It is a matter of density and strengh. Plates as a whole are less dense that the astenosphere, so they must float.
It is indeed true that some parts of the plate can be denser than the astenosphere and therefore they can sink. This is the case of subduction zones, in which the subducting plate (the one that sinks) becomes denser and finally sinks into the mantle.
Hope this helps!
Cheers!
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