What is the dominant force driving the movement of lithospheric plates according to modern models of plate tectonics?

💡 Explanation:

Modern understanding of plate tectonics suggests that 'Slab Pull' is the strongest force driving plate movement. This force is the result of the gravitational sinking of cold, dense oceanic lithosphere into the mantle at subduction zones (trenches), dragging the rest of the plate along behind it. 'Ridge Push' is a secondary force caused by gravity sliding the elevated, newly formed lithosphere away from the mid-ocean ridges. While mantle convection (Basal Traction/Drag) is the ultimate source of heat and is part of the system, it is generally considered a minor or resisting force compared to the gravitational forces of slab pull and ridge push.