1 / 11

4.2 The Theory of Plate Tectonics

4.2 The Theory of Plate Tectonics. Tectonics – ( G reek ) meaning “construction” Tectonics: The study of the formation of features in the earth’s crust. Open textbook to p . 72. Two types of crust: Oceanic crust Continental crust. Lithosphere & Asthenosphere.

gili
Download Presentation

4.2 The Theory of Plate Tectonics

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. 4.2 The Theory of Plate Tectonics Tectonics – (Greek) meaning “construction” Tectonics: The study of the formation of features in the earth’s crust Open textbook to p. 72 • Two types of crust: • Oceanic crust • Continental crust

  2. Lithosphere & Asthenosphere Lithosphere – made up of the crust and the rigid upper mantle The lithosphere is broken into separate plates that ride on the denser asthenosphere. Asthenosphere – layer of plastic rock; a solid rock that slowly flows(like putty) when under pressure.

  3. Plate Boundaries Divergent boundaries– where plates move away from each other

  4. Plate Boundaries Convergent boundaries – where plates collide (3 types) 1. Ocean & Continent – forms a subduction zone; usually forms an ocean trench and mountains on land

  5. Plate Boundaries Convergent boundaries – where plates collide 2. Two Continental plates – neither plate is subducted, so both are crumpled and uplifted

  6. Plate Boundaries Convergent boundaries – where plates collide 3. Ocean & Ocean – forms deep ocean trench when one plate is subducted; subducted plate melts and forms volcanic chain (Island Arc)

  7. Plate Boundaries Transform fault boundaries – forms where two plates are grinding past each other. Can you think of an example?

  8. San Andreas Fault

  9. Causes of Plate Motion Convection Currents – cycle of warm water rising and cool water sinking

  10. Suspect terranes Theory of suspect terranes - Continents are patchwork of terranes, each with its own distinct geologic history. 3 identifying characteristics: Terrane contains rock and fossils that differ from the rocks and fossils of neighboring terranes. There are major faults at the boundaries of a terrane. The magnetic properties of a terrane do not match those of neighboring terranes See Figure 4-9 on p. 77

  11. Suspect terranes

More Related