Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the large scale motions of . Earth’s lithosphere. Which one among the following statements regarding Plate tectonics is not correct ?

Plate tectonics describes the Earth's lithosphere as being broken into rigid tectonic plates [3]. These plates consist of both oceanic lithosphere and thicker continental lithosphere [2]. The movement of these plates is possible because the lithosphere is a layer of strength that moves over the more easily deformable and weaker asthenosphere [1]. Statement 4 is incorrect because subduction is a process characteristic of convergent plate boundaries, not divergent ones. At divergent boundaries, plates move away from each other, and magma rises from the mantle to create new oceanic crust [2]. In contrast, subduction occurs at convergent boundaries where one plate (typically the denser oceanic plate) is forced downward into the mantle.

Sources

1. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Distribution of Oceans and Continents > PLATE TECTONICS > p. 32
2. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 7: Tectonics > 7.4. Plate Tectonics > p. 101
3. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY > Lithosphere > p. 10