Final Answer:
Option 4. Earth's internal energy drives the processes of plate tectonics.
Explanation:
Plate tectonics is primarily driven by the movement of heat within Earth's interior, which originates from the planet's internal energy sources. This energy comes from the decay of radioactive isotopes, residual heat from Earth's formation, and heat released by ongoing mantle convection. This internal energy creates convective currents in the semi-fluid asthenosphere, causing the lithospheric plates to move and interact at the Earth's surface.
While the Sun's energy influences Earth's climate and surface processes, it does not directly drive plate tectonics. Volcanoes and earthquakes are manifestations of plate tectonics but are not the primary driving forces behind the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
Therefore, the statement "Earth's internal energy drives the processes of plate tectonics" best captures the underlying mechanism responsible for the movement and interactions of tectonic plates.
