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Plate Tectonics
Term | Definition |
---|---|
the correct order of the four major layers of the Earth, from the innermost to outermost | inner core, outer core, mantle, crust |
The inner core is thought to consist primarily of: | iron. |
statements about the study of the interior of the Earth | -The velocity of seismic waves varies with the density of the material. -S-waves cannot pass through the liquid outer core. -Data from seismic waves can be used to produce three-dimensional tomographs. |
Oceanic crustal rock is best described as: | high in magnesium, iron, and calcium |
statements about the lithosphere | -Seismic waves travel more slowly through the aesthenosphere than the lithosphere. -The Moho is the boundary between the crust and the upper mantle. -The lithosphere is less dense than the aethenosphere |
The principle explaining the variable bouyancy of crustal material is | isostasy |
early theorys about the "fit" of the continents across the Atlantic Ocean | -an unexplained cataclysmic event -subsidence theory of separation -continental drift |
palaeogeographic relationships | -Gondwanaland, southern continents -Laurasia, northern continents -Pangaea, super continent |
describe mid-ocean rises | -gently sloped compared to mid-ocean ridges -narrow zones of volcanic activity -highest elevation along central axis |
cited as evidence of plate motion | -earthquakes landward of subduction zones -variability of heat flow through the ocean crust -mirror images of polarity reversals on each side of mid-ocean ridges |
The theory of plate motion has been tested by | -temperature probes on the ocean floor -radiometric dating of seafloor rocks -recording the magnetic polarity of minerals in the crust |
Of the following statements about the Earth's plates, which is correct? | New lithosphere is formed at divergent plate boundaries. |
Rifting is closely associated with all but which of the following features or processes? | A) divergent zones B) grabens C) mid-ocean ridges This is the correct answer. D) subduction |
Which of the following features is not associated with subduction? | This is the correct answer. A) basaltic volcanism and rifting B) andesitic volcanism C) crumpled and fractured continental rocks D) volcanic island arc chains |
Passive continental margins are characterized by: | wide, seismically quiet coastal zones |
statements about hot spots | A) As oceanic crust cools, it subsides. B) The youngest peak in a chain of seamounts is over the hot spot. C) Guyots are islands that have subsided beneath the surface. |
describe the history of the continents. | -Pangaea broke apart about 200 million years ago. -The Walvis Ridge is a chain of seamounts connecting the Mid-Atlantic ridge with Africa. -Through wandering, plates may show evidence of climates related to previous locales. |
Remnants of small crustal fragments that are accreted to larger crusts are termed: | A) cratons. B) cretins. This is the correct answer. C) terranes. D) vents. |
describe hydrothermal vents? | -Hydrothermal vent activity is known to occur at seafloor spreading centers. -Vents occur over some of the thickest portions of oceanic crust. -Minerals may precipitate rapidly out of super heated plumes of water. |
Which of the following statements accurately describes vent communities? | Vent communities rely on bacteria that thrive on minerals in the hydrothermal plumes. |
a line of indirect evidence that leads us to believe that the Earth has a layered structure? | -The density of the Earth is greater than the density of the surface rocks on Earth. -The Earth's magnetic field indicates that the center must be composed of magnetic material. -The composition of some meteorites, which are believed to be of the same m |
What does the Moho represent? | A chemical boundary between the crust and mantle. |
Where is measured heat flow greatest along the oceanic crust? | In the center of ocean basins nearest the mid ocean ridges |
true about earthquakes | -They are commonly associated with subduction zones. -Earthquakes with a deeper focus tend to occur farther inland. -They are used to characterize the density and composition of the interior of the Earth. |
Which is an example of an active continental rift? | East Africa |
Which type of crust will subduct most rapidly? | Old oceanic crust |
The Philippines are the result of what type of plate boundary? | Oceanic-Oceanic Convergent |