Essays on Tectonics

The theory of continental drift assumes that the earth is composed of one continent for billions of years. It slowly drifted apart to form the seven continents which could be recognized in the modern times. The drifting of the continents is mainly due to the lighter rocks at the surface which is influenced or moved by the heavier rocks beneath. On the other hand, the plate-tectonics theory assumes that the earth is composed of plates or slabs which are shifting or moving away or towards each other. The movements of the plate depend on the condition and chemistry of ...

Part 1

Question 1 Tectonic plate motion refers to the movement of continental and oceanic plates from one place to another due to the effect of forces that generally act on these plates. These movements cause some effects to the surrounding environment and even to the earth surface in general. A scientist by the name of Wegner had earlier on formulated a theory that instituted some of the facts and evidence backing this presence of continental drift that had happened some time back in history (Runcorn, 2013). Furthermore, the critical evidence in support of continental drift is the jigsaw fitness of ...

Hawai'i was the 50th state to join the USA. It comprises 132 islands and is said to be the home of volcanic islands. These islands reside in the Central Pacific Ocean. Moana Loa is one of the top most active volcanoes that had formed the island of Hawaii in the ocean (Networks, 2016). The movement of plate tectonics has resulted in the volcanic eruption and, however, the volcano towering and presence of valleys had a significant impact on the economic value.

Theory of plate tectonics

Plate tectonics theory explains that upper layer of the earth’s surface is segregated into various plates that ...

At one point, different concepts and theories of the natural science meet at an explanation of phenomena in a manner that most scientists may not imagine. Such is the relationship between geology and physics. Geology, definitively, is the study of the composition and elements of earth. In an advanced understanding, geology defines the different aspects of the universe such as rocks and the processes by which they change. On the other hand, physics is the branch of natural science that details the understanding of matter force, energy and matter with their movement through time and space (Anand, 2002). With ...

Plate tectonics has a tremendous effect on the Earth. Without plate tectonics, the Earth would not be like what it is today. For one, scientists believed that this is a big factor contributing to the habitability of the planet. Because of plate tectonics, there is recycling of the Earth’s materials such as carbon dioxide. From the molten rocks, these carbon dioxide are released in the atmosphere, trapping heat and creating a habitable temperature. The diversity of the species in our planet is also because of plate tectonics. If plate tectonics and the moving of the continents did not ...

1. A hot spot is an area on the earth’s surface that has several unique characteristics. These characteristics include but are not limited to high volcanic activity, frequent and extreme heat flows, and crustal movement that stretches across several hundred miles. Hot spots around the Hawaiian island chain created the islands. This was due to the Pacific plate move on top of the hot spot. Consequently mantle plumes created the islands. 2. An accretionary wedge is, like the name, suggests is a wedge. It is made up of a group of rocks called sediment and forms by gathering ...

[Subduction Initiation]

Abstract

The major purpose of this report is to explore the process of subduction initiation by looking at its implications. The initiation of subduction is among the main plate tectonic process hence it comes out as an important subject of study when exploring the geological structure of the Earth. In order to explore all the elements associated with this, the paper is categorized into topics that cover important aspects. First, it is important to study when and why subduction initiation begins since this will give a picture about its relation with plate tectonic movement. It comes out that ...

Introduction to Beijing

The capital of China, Beijing, is affected the most by catastrophes. Earthquakes, floods, famines, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis are calamities that are caused by natural activities of the Earth. These calamities are referred to as natural disasters as they result in not only loss of lives, but also a tremendous number of people who are rendered and homeless. Because of their violent nature, natural disasters in Beijing have hurled people into a labyrinth from which very few are able to survive. Natural disasters beget irreparable damage to the property which lasts forever, and demand several years to overcome the ...

Explain how the outward flow of energy from the Earth’s interior drives the process of plate Tectonics

All the earth processes are a result of energy flow and mass circulation in and outside of the earth system. Plate tectonics is an earth process that involves the movement of the lithosphere caused by internal processes inside the earth’s mantle (Kent C 154). This is as a result of convection currents within the earth’s crust caused by the heat in the crust. This heat in the crust is due to the initial heat during the earth’s formation and through the radioactive process. The earth’s core is made of radioactive elements such as uranium which decay and ...

1) Explain how the outward flow of energy from the Earth’s interior drives the process of plate tectonics?

The outermost layer of earth, or lithosphere, is broken up into tectonic plates. The boundaries of the plates and their movement leads to the formation of earthquakes, volcanic activity, creation of mountains, and the formation of oceanic trenches. Tectonic plates are formed from either oceanic crust or continental crust, with many containing both. The movement of the plates varies from 0-100mm in a given year. The movement of these plates comes from the outward energy of flow that comes from earth’s central core. Radioactivity produced from elements within earth’s core, such as uranium, decay and release energy. The ...

1) Explain how the outward flow of energy from the Earth’s interior drives the process of plate tectonics?

The earth’s composition consists of a crust, mantle and core. The earth’s core consists of elements like uranium which are radioactive. Due to the phenomenon of radioactivity, these elements decay and trigger a reaction. Because of this a large amount of energy is produced in the core and inner core of the earth. Because of this energy, the core of the earth is very hot and in a molten state. This heat is transferred from the core to the crust by the process convection currents formed in the molten core, creating a cycle of rising and falling of the molten material. This ...

2) There are justifications on the presence of the moon. Perhaps, collision-ejection theory of the moon gives an explains on the issues. The theory asserts that the moon exists due to the formation of debris ejected from the earth, especially when objects crushed. Collision-ejection theory claims that the newly formed earth collided with mars at an angle, which splashed the layers of the earth surface into the orbit around it. This implies that the Earth crust and mantle formed the moon though condensation. There are various facts on the moon that the theory is consistent with. Some of the ...

Geology is science that is concerned with the study of solid Earth, rocks and the process of metamorphosis of such rocks. Through geology one gets to understand the history of rocks, plate tectonics as well as evolutionary history of life. Such knowledge is very crucial in today’s life because it helps in exploration of minerals and exploiting the water resources.

Geology course therefore covers issues to don with Earth surface, its history, the foundation of the Earth (rocks) and metamorphosis of rocks changes over time. The course involves a series of lectures accompanied by class presentations, and field trip ...

The North Sea Petroleum Province is made up of Northern and Central North Sea. This is the greatest oil producing region in the world. It has been, for the last 30 years, playing a major role as Britain’s resource base and a contributor to the country’s wealth. This region also touches Norway and the Shetland Islands which are part of the Northern arms of the Late Jurassic system. This report gives an account of much of what is already known about Petroleum geology, Palaeogeography and tectonostratigraphic development of the Upper Jurassic, Middle Jurassic and the Lower Cretaceous rocks in ...

The article “Bathymetry of Mariana trench-arc system and formation of the

Challenger Deep as a consequence of weak plate coupling”, by Zohar Gvirtzman, and Robert J. Stern, published by Tectonics describes the study of determining the depths of the Mariana trench-arc system, and how the weak plate coupling results in the formation of Challenger Deep: the deepest known point on earth’s surface. The author’s demonstrate that the Mariana Trench is located at the southwest, and not at the center, because of the width of the plate coupling zone. The authors examine observation methods such as Bathymetry, to know the relation of the Mariana trench with the regional topographic trend, ...

Introduction

This project is concerned with the study of the Mariana trench, the deepest part of the oceans discovered yet. The papers considered in this review provide crucial information that helps in understanding the trench. From the forces that create the trench, to the physical conditions present in the trench, this review seeks to put bare as much information on the subject as its scope allows.

Bodine, J. H., & Watts, A. B. (1979). On lithospheric flexure seaward of the Bonin and Mariana trenches. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. doi:10.1016/0012-821X(79)90162-6

Tectonic activity and the history of the Mariana trench

D. Hussong, Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, University of Hawaii, ...

Abstract

The Altar basin found in the north western Sonora of Mexico, is a known subsidiary basin forming the present inactive part of the Colorado River delta. The sedimentary records of this basin show how the delta upgraded over a late Miocene. A structurally distinct aquatic basin at the northern end of the Gulf of California is found. Our interpretation of outcrop data, and information from exploratory wells, as well as analog seismic lines of Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), and magnetic and gravity explorations from various sources pointed to the existence of three sedimentary sequences, which can be related at regional scale ...

H S K J

BIOL/RELT421-Issues in Science and Society- Winter 2014 Term Paper The origins of the universe has been a subject of many theories and explanations (Linder, 2003). Some believe in the scientific explanations and the Big Bang Theory is the foremost of them (Linde, Linde & Mezhlumian, 1994). Many, on the other hand, believe in the creation as what was told in the Holy Bible (Van Till, Stek, Snow, & Young, 1990). This paper will portray the notable characters that shaped the theories and beliefs about the origins of the Earth. Hugh Ross, Leonard Brand, and James Gibson are the three ...

Several individuals have explained the origins of the universe. Some believe in the scientific explanation, while others believe in theories and evolution. Many, on the other hand, believe in the creation as what was told in the Holy Bible. This paper will inform the readers about the notable persons who have theories and beliefs about the origins of the earth. Hugh Ross, Leonard Brand, and L. James Gibson are the three key people who have significant contribution in explaining the origins of the universe in relation to the bible story. The website of the Reasons to Believe stated ...

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Introduction

In the scientific world, many radical scientific principles go through a tumultuous progression before the scientific community accepts them. This was the case with the continental drift theory, a landmark theory in geology. When it was proposed, the scientific community received the continental drift theory with ridicule. However, with time, the theory underwent a series of reinforcement from accumulating evidence in support of the theory. In the end, it emerged as the greatest geological principle of all time. The continental drift theory was the brainchild of Alfred Wegener. Alfred Wegener was a German meteorologist born in 1980. He acquired a PhD in astronomy from ...

Summary of the geotechnical and structural problems of the I-495 Bridge

The I-495 Bridge in Wilmington, Delaware experienced geotechnical and structural problems leading to its closure. According to structural engineers, the closure of the bridge was following an external force that caused the four pillars of the bridge to tilt. The 11-mile long bypass through the bridge remains closed for an unknown time. The tilting pillars were because of a shifting force on the earth surface, but the engineers had not yet identified the source. Engineers and workers are using shovels, and high-powered sensors to discover the main cause of the shifts on the ground (Nann, and Jeff 1). After ...

Introduction

Plate tectonics is important because it explains the reasons for the deformation of Earth’s surface. Plate Tectonics theory assumes that the Earth’s surface was broken into several small plates and the plates have collided with each other to form the continents. The theory explains that the oceans and continents also move in addition to the tectonic plates. It also explains the global distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes. The plate tectonics explains the major features of the earth, such as the continents and oceans, the earthquakes and volcanoes and the mountains and valleys. The theory explained that the ...

The hydrological cycle refers to the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the earth. It mainly involves the processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, percolation, interception and runoff/overland flows. The main source of energy that drives the cycle is solar energy and therefore the main changes in energy involve changes in temperature. When surface water is heated, it gains energy and changes from liquid state to gaseous state. This results in a cooling effect to the surrounding region (Arctic Climatology and Meteorology) Transpiration also contributes in adding water vapor in the atmosphere; this is referred ...

Introduction

This research paper discusses the phenomenon of earthquakes – the geography and distribution of where they occur, and the explanations of the forces and processes involved. The theory explains why they occur more in some places than others and describes related phenomena including volcanic activity.

The Research

The accepted theory of the cause of most earthquakes cites the continuous movements of huge sections of the earth’s crust (known as the lithosphere), which comprises tectonic plates (Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics” 1977), which are further classified as either oceanic or continental plates, dependent on their location on the Earth’s surface: beneath the ...

Introduction

This research paper discusses the phenomenon of earthquakes – the geography and distribution of where they occur, and the explanations of the forces and processes involved. The theory explains why they occur more in some places than others and describes related phenomena including volcanic activity.

The Research

The accepted theory of the cause of most earthquakes cites the continuous movements of huge sections of the earth’s crust (known as the lithosphere), which comprises tectonic plates (Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics” 1977), which are further classified as either oceanic or continental plates, dependent on their location on the Earth’s surface: beneath the ...

The theory of plate tectonics describes the wide­scale movements of the lithosphere of

the earth. The model is based on the ideas of continental drift, which first gained acceptance in the early 1900s. The geoscientific community granted the theory even more validity after the notion of seafloor spreading appeared in the late 1950s. Basically, the lithosphere is not whole but instead is separated into either seven or eight major plates, depending on the definition that you use. Every meeting point between plates has its own relative movement, either transform, convergent or divergent. Volcanic activity, mountain creation and earthquakes all occur along these edges, and the plates ...

Introduction

Tectonic Plate refers to a massive, slab of solid rock that is irregularly shaped, and it is composed of both oceanic and continental lithosphere.

Definitions

Mid-Ocean Ridge refers to an underwater mountain range that forms due to plate tectonics. This structure is formed through two tectonic processes, ridge-push and slab pull that cause the spreading at mid-ocean ridges. Basin and Range topography refers to structure that is characterized by sudden changes in sloping and is alternating in between the narrow chains of faulted mountain and flat arid basins or valleys. They are formed by crustal extension or extensional tectonics. ...

The contribution of Alfred Wegener

William C. McCullough LAIS 370 History of Science Colorado School of Mines Abstract This paper discusses the role of Alfred Wegener in the discovery of the Plates tectonics theory. It is believed that the modern day plate tectonics theory is an advancement of continental drift theory which was discovered by Wegener. The study will seek to explore his efforts and contribution to modern science and how he has helped to shape the world.

Overview

Plate tectonics also known as continental drift theory describes that the earth was at one time many years back a super continent whereby ...

Continental drift is an idea developed by Alfred Wegner which states that the continents are drifting away across the ocean. He also suggested the plate tectonic theory in the year 1915. The theory states that, all continents were brought together into a mass land million of years ago. The key evidence presented in this case is that, African and South American continents fit each other perfectly if they can be enjoined. In addition, it has been evidenced that similar fossils are found in different continents which implies that, at one point in time they used to be together. The distribution ...

Geographical evidence

- Fossil evidence of Glossopteris flora exists in Pennsylvania and Permian age coal deposits. This is in Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica (Trent, Hazlett and Bierman 68) - Close fit of the continental coastlines on both sides of the continents. Presence of geological features that were originally shared between the continents. Presence of faulting that leads to the formation of faults such as the San Andreas Fault indicates that continental drift has been taking place over a long period (Holmes 629). - Rocks had retained the record of their positions of when they were formed to indicate that ...

I/We have been assigned one of the most expensive metals, Platinum. It has widely application in dental implants, automotive catalytic converters (Rao & Reddi, 2000), biomedical implants such as catheters, stents, cardiac implants (Cowley & Woodward, 2011), manufacturing of optical glass, manufacturing of fuel cells (McDonald & Hunt, 1982) and jewelry.

Platinum ore deposits

Platinum ore contains palladium, iridium, rhodium, osmium and ruthenium, along with platinum. Platinum ore forms a) Placer deposits: Placer deposits are formed by water-based erosion of sedimentary rocks containing the ore (Example. Ural-Alaskan type). b) Layered igneous lode deposits: Such deposits are emplaced on stable cratons. Examples: South Africa as the Bushveld Complex, ...

The Hydrologic Cycle

The global hydrologic cycle involves the change of water between three states. Water can be gaseous, like humidity in the atmosphere and the condensation in clouds, liquid as in our lakes, rivers, and oceans, or solid as in our ice caps and glaciers. Water is very complex and energy is required for it to change between the different states. Without water, biologic life could not exist. Evaporation and transpiration return water from the liquid state into the gaseous state. It takes a lot of energy to effect this change in state. Approximately 600 calories per gram of water is ...

Introduction

In this essay, a research took place about the following topics, which are meant to be clarified: geographic evidence as support of the theory of continental drift, scientifical acceptance of the movement of continents, the process of the scientific method and theory development, the scientific method help in understanding the natural world, association between the plate tectonics, continental drift and natural landforms. With these topics addressed, in this essay, the understanding of the natural world should become clearer, adding new knowledge on the matter, which should complement the one acquired al throughout the course. - Geographic evidence collected ...

Risk management cycle and strategy of disaster

- Introduction Recent studies on the climate have linked global warming to the occurrence of earthquakes. Even though it does not seem real that climate change would affect plate tectonics movement, scientists have managed to identify a probable linkage between the movement of plate tectonics and global warming. This provides in depth insight into the recent occurrence of strong earthquakes such as the 2010 earthquake in Chile, 2004 in Indonesia, and the 2010 earthquake that ripped Haiti. The past decade alone has witnessed three of the strongest earthquakes to ever hit the earth. Therefore there could a link between the movement ...

The theory of plate tectonics has changed the way of seeing things in the field of earth sciences. Plate tectonics, a theory of the dynamics of the Earth's outer shell, the lithosphere, rests on geologic and geophysical data, and dominates current thinking in the Earth sciences (Dawson, n.pag). It has served as a unifying model or paradigm for explaining geologic phenomena that were formerly considered in unrelated fashion (Britannica, n.pag.). The plate tectonic theory states that the crust of the earth is made up of irregular pieces of rocks, usually different in their chemical composition and thickness. The movement of ...