The type of currents responsible for moving tectonic plates are primarily mantle convection currents. These are circular patterns of slowly flowing solid rock in the Earth's mantle caused by heat rising from the core, which makes the mantle material less dense and rise, then cool and sink back down. These convection currents act like a conveyor belt, carrying the tectonic plates above them and causing them to move. In addition to convection currents, there are two other important forces involved: slab pull and ridge push. Slab pull happens when older, denser tectonic plates sink into the mantle at subduction zones, pulling the rest of the plate along. Ridge push occurs at mid-ocean ridges where the newly formed, elevated plates slide downhill due to gravity, pushing the plates apart. Together, these forces drive the movement of tectonic plates across the Earth's surface.