In the early 1960s‚ the emergence of the theory of plate tectonics started a revolution in the earth sciences. Since then‚ scientists have verified and refined this theory‚ and now have a much better understanding of how our planet has been shaped by plate-tectonic processes. We now know that‚ directly or indirectly‚ plate tectonics influences nearly all geologic processes‚ past and present. Indeed‚ the notion that the entire Earth’s surface is continually shifting has profoundly changed the way
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Plate tectonic is a scientific theory of Earth Science which basically defines the large scale motions of the atmosphere of the Earth. The Plate Tectonic theory is based on the continental drift concept The theory was first developed in the first decades of 20th century. According to the Plate Tectonic theory‚ the lithosphere breaks up into the tectonic plates. Currently‚ there are seven or eight major plates in the Earth. Generally‚ the lithospheric plates remain on the asthenosphere. All the
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the plate tectonics theory help explain the existence of fossilized marine life in rocks atop the Ural Mountains? Be sure to include a description of the specific process(es).’ Continental Collisions would be a possibility as this would birth mountain building. It is a theory that Europe and Asia collided millions of years ago. Marine life would have existed in the ocean basin between the land masses. As the continents approached‚ waters would recede from between them through subduction. This is
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Features Plate tectonics theory‚ which is the modern theory of the motions of Earth’s layer‚ explains how geological features‚ such as mountain ranges‚ continents‚ and bodies of water move and form. An important aspect of plate tectonics theory is that the outer layer of the earth is divided into plates which move across the earth’s surface. “These plates move relative to each other‚ typically at rates of 2-4 inches per year. As the plates move‚ they interact along their boundaries” (Plate Tectonics)
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‘Volcanic and seismic events are major pieces of evidence towards proving that plate tectonics theory is valid.’ Discuss the extent to which you agree with this statement. (40 marks) Over the years proceeding the birth of the theory‚ increasingly convincing evidence has been gathered for proof of the theory of plate tectonics. In 1912‚ Alfred Wegner proposed the theory that continents are sat upon tectonic plates and that these plates are slowly drifting around the Earth (continental drift).
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found farther away from the ridge. The ages of the igneous rock found near the mid-ocean ridge was younger than the igneous rock found farther away from the ridge. This is because of convection currents. Magma rises because it is less dense. It is forced out of the ridge‚ it spreads apart‚ and when it cools‚ it becomes new seafloor. This is why newer seafloor (igneous rock) is younger when it is closer to the ridge. 2. If the distance from a point on the coast of Africa to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is
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convergent boundaries by which an oceanic plate slides slowly under a continental plate into the Earth’s mantle‚ as the result of pressure and friction. After a long period of time the overriding continental plate is lifted up creating a mountain range. This is how the Himalayas were formed. Sometimes the extreme heat and pressure exerted on the subducting oceanic plate causes an uplift of magma from the mantle which rises above the surface‚ creating a volcano. When two plates are moving they don’t
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The Impact Of Plate Tectonics on the Caribbean * The Caribbean Plate is a mostly oceanic tectonic plate underlying Central America and the Caribbean Sea off the north coast of South America. * Volcanic activity in the Caribbean itself‚ as distinct from Central America‚ is largely limited to the eastern Caribbean. Here‚ the Caribbean plate‚ moving approximately west to east‚ meets the North American plate‚ which is moving approximately east to west. This creates what is known as a seductions
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Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics Theory (Part 1a) Introduction: The Beginning of the “Continental Drift Theory” In the middle of the eighteenth century‚ James Hutton proposed a theory‚ uniformitarianism; “the present is the key to the past”. It held that processes such as geologic forces- gradual and catastrophic-occurring in the present were the same that operated in the past. (Matt Rosenberg‚ 2004) This theory coincides with the theory of Continental Drift that was first proposed by Abraham
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Plate Tectonics Introduction Continental Drift Seafloor Spreading Plate Tectonics Divergent Plate Boundaries Convergent Plate Boundaries Transform Plate Boundaries Summary This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used. Henry David Thoreau Introduction • • • Earth’s lithosphere is divided into mobile plates. Plate tectonics describes the distribution and motion of the plates. The theory
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