Plate Tectonics AGS 371

Transcription

1 Name(s) Date Period Instructions Plate Tectonics AGS 371 This lab utilizes the CD The Theory of Plate Tectonics (Advanced). The lab consists of a number of questions and diagrams regarding the development of the plate tectonics theory, without a doubt the most important comprehensive theory about the evolution of Earth s surface ever proposed. 1. In spite of all the evidence collected by Wegener and other scientists to support the idea of continental drift, it was still not widely accepted until paleomagnetism was used as the icing on the cake. Why was paleomagnetism such compelling evidence and how was the scientifically incorrect concept of polar wandering indirectly used to support it? 2. Describe how Harry Hess (Princeton University) explained the idea of sea floor spreading. 3. Although no scientist has yet been able to explain why magnetic reversals occur, they obviously do (and occur often. ) How many times have the poles flipped polarity in the past 5 million years and what evidence is there that the flips take place rapidly rather than as a gradual change through time?

2 4. What is the general relationship between earthquakes, volcanos and (most) mountain ranges with regard to tectonics? 5. How are hotspots unrelated to plate tectonics yet at the same time help to prove that tectonic processes occur? 6. Briefly describe the differences between the four primary theories behind the driving mechanism for plate tectonics (slab push, slab pull, mantle plumes, convection currents).

3 Diagram A: (Modern) Global Tectonic Map For the diagram below, identify the locations of the tectonic features indicated on the list at the bottom of the page. A. Pacific Plate H. Arabian Plate O. Mid Atlantic Ridge V. Great Rift Valley B. North American Plate I. Scotia Plate P. Mid Indian Ridge W. Cascade Mtns. C. South American Plate J. Caribbean Plate Q. East Pacific Rise X. Marianas Trench D. Eurasian Plate K. Nazca Plate R. Puerto Rican Trench E. Indo-Australian Plate* L. Juan de Fuca Plate S. Iceland F. Antarctic Plate M. Cocos Plate T. Hawaii G. African Plate N. Philippine Plate U. San Andreas Fault *Most up to date tectonic maps show both an Indian and Australian Plate as opposed to a single combined plate.

4 Diagram B: Plate Boundary For each of the diagrams below, identify the locations of the telltale features for each boundary. Divergent Boundary Ridge Rift Valley Upwelling Geographic Example Convergent Boundary Ocean to Ocean Convergence Volcanic Island Arc Subduction Zone Trench Upwelling Oceanic Crust Continental Crust Geographic Example

5 Convergent Boundary Ocean to Continent Convergence Volcanic Mountain Arc Subduction Zone Trench Upwelling Oceanic Crust Continental Crust Geographic Example Convergent Boundary Continent to Continent Convergence Dip/Slip Faults Geographic Example

6 Updated Instructions for Plate Tectonics Lab Version 2.0 (Advanced) 1. Omit the last section Pangaea: Before and After We may cover it later as part of the Paleo. Unit 2. Complete all of the quizzes in the CD ROM and print the results. Once copy of each quiz is OK for a lab group - make sure all names are typed in the heading. The quizzes are found at the following locations on the CD ROM 3. There is no way to save a quiz so be sure there is enough time to complete the quiz before starting. Quiz Section Slide Number Quiz Length Continental Drift 2 63 Long Paleomagnetism Short Seafloor Spreading Short Intermission - Tectonics 1 Plate Tectonics Short Divergent Boundaries Short Convergent Boundaries Short Convergent Boundaries Short Convergent Boundaries Short Convergent Boundaries Short Transform Boundaries Short Intermission - Tectonics 2 Testing the Model Very Short Testing the Model Short Hotspots Short Magnetic Reversals Short Driving Mechanisms Short Post - Tectonics 3

7 Name Date Period Plate Tectonics 2.0 Quiz Checklist (Advanced) Quiz Title Max Points Point Earned Continental Drift: An Idea Before Its Time 19 Continental Drift and Paleomagnetism 5 Seafloor Spreading 9 Plate Tectonics: The New Paradigm 16 Divergent Plate Boundaries 7 Convergent Plate Boundaries 5 Convergent Plate Boundaries: Ocean-continent 10 Convergent Plate Boundaries: Ocean-ocean 7 Convergent Plate Boundaries: Continent-continent 5 Transform Fault Boundaries 6 Testing the Plate Tectonics Model: Ocean Drilling 2 Testing the Plate Tectonics Model: Earthquake Patterns 7 Testing the Plate Tectonics Model: Hotspots and Mantle Plumes 6 Testing the Plate Tectonics Model: Magnetic Reversals and Seafloor Spreading 9 What Drives Plate Motions 5 Total 118