Archive for the ‘Plate Tectonics’ Category
A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates are slideing against eachother. An example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas Fault which divides the north american plate with the pacific plate. This is also whats called a strike slip fault.
This is where the two plates are sliding past eachother. The North American Plate is moving southeast about 1 inch per year while the pacific plate is moving about 3 inches a year. At the curren speed LA will be north of San Francisco in about 100 million years. If this stuff excites you and you want to learn more search the internet for books or kits on plate tectonics. Thanks Moorescience
A convergent boundary is when one tectonic plate collides with another and is forced down into the mantle. Another term used for this kind of boundary is called the subduction zone where the oceanic plate is forced back into the earths mantle when it collides with the continental plate. The world is constantly in motion though most of the time this motion is so small we can not even notice it.
What are some of the events that occur at these convergent boundaries, the oceanic rock is forced into the mantel melting and forming hot molten magma. This magma then rises to the surface and forms the volcanic chains that you see along these convergent boundaries. A great way to learn more about these boundaries is to check out some books on plate tectonics theory. Thanks moorescience
Well Crazy is what most of the scientific community said to Alfred Wegener as he gave his theory on continental shift. His theory was that about 200 million years ago the continents as we know them now were joined together and formed a super continent he called Pangaea. Take a journey back in time with me say 200 million years ago, you are standing in whats now known as South America and I am standing on what today would be the west coast of Africa but 200 million years ago it was the same land back then. He did not now exactly how the continents were shifted but he had plenty of evidence to back it up.
Like a puzzle he noted south America and Africa look liked they once were joined together. Geologist then went and found same rock types that were both in Africa and South America. The scientist then researched fossil records from both areas and found similarities. Though not very liked by the older scientists Alfred Wegener is a true revolutionary in the field of geology. As science progresses we find more evidence every day that Alfred was was the true pioneer in the development of plate tectonic theory. To learn more about plate tectonics check this out
Time to Teach Plate Tectonics
Many of the concepts and lessons taught in school can seem mundane because it is difficult to draw parallels in the “real world.” With all of the seismic activity that has been making headlines around the globe as of late, it is a perfect opportunity to teach your children about plate tectonics theory. There are obviously many facets and nuances to the theory, but here is a quick primer.
According to the theory, the lithosphere is composed of several plates that are constantly in motion. The reason that these plates are able to move is that the lithosphere has a higher strength and lower density than the strata that it is sitting on. When these plates move, they build up friction at the plate lines, and when this friction is released, we feel it in the form of an earthquake.