Geology 1401 Chapter 13 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the relationship between the crust and lithosphere?

The crust is part of the lithosphere.

Which geologic features are associated with divergent boundaries?

Mid-ocean ridges and continental rift valleys.

Which geologic features are associated with convergent boundaries?

Ocean trenches and volcanoes.

Where is the youngest ocean floor found?

Along the crest of mid-ocean ridges. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen to Earth if ocean floor were created at divergent boundaries at a faster rate than it is destroyed at convergent boundaries?

The Earth would increase in volume. Signup and view all the answers

What is a volcanic arc?

A row of volcanoes that forms on the overriding plate near a subduction zone. Signup and view all the answers

Name mountain ranges that are an example of continental arcs.

Andes and Cascades. Signup and view all the answers

What is a seamount?

An active volcano that occurs along the crest of the mid-ocean ridge. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tablemount?

A seamount that grew above sea level, experienced wave erosion, and is now inactive. Signup and view all the answers

Where do coral reefs exist with sea mounts?

In tropical latitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between coral reefs and seamounts?

Coral reefs at the ocean surface grow away from seamounts over time. Signup and view all the answers

Why do coral reefs at the ocean surface grow away from seamounts over time?

Seamounts subside as tectonic plates move.Coral reefs grow away from the seamount in order to stay near the sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a barrier reef and an atoll?

Barrier reefs surround an inactive volcano emerging above sea level, while atolls surround the previous location of a submerged volcano. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct order of coral reef development near seamounts?

Fringing reef, barrier reef, atoll. Signup and view all the answers

How is ocean depth calculated by sonar?

Ocean depth is calculated by the time it takes sound waves to travel from the ship to the seafloor and back to the ship again. Signup and view all the answers

What type of ocean exploration technique is the best for determining potential oil and gas reservoirs?

Seismic reflection survey. Signup and view all the answers

What do slight variations recorded by satellites on the sea surface represent?

Features on the seafloor. Signup and view all the answers

The Atlantic is a _______ margin.

Passive. Signup and view all the answers

The Pacific is an ______ margin.

Active. Signup and view all the answers

Continental shelf represents?

The flooded portions of continents. Signup and view all the answers

Turbidity currents travel from the shelf through __________, creating deep sea fans.

Canyons. Signup and view all the answers

If the subduction angle is steep, the overriding plate may undergo __________.

Subduction erosion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the world's oceans accounts for over half of the surface area of the planet?

Pacific. Signup and view all the answers

What feature(s) are measured when studying the bathymetry of the ocean?

Ocean depths and seafloor topography. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the elevated position of the oceanic ridge system?

New, hot basalt is less dense here compared to the rest of the ocean basin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Water Hemisphere?

Southern. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Land Hemisphere?

Northern. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crust and Lithosphere

The crust constitutes a part of the lithosphere, which is the outermost layer of the Earth.

Divergent Boundaries

Geologic features linked to divergent boundaries include mid-ocean ridges and continental rift valleys.

Convergent Boundaries

Convergent boundaries are characterized by features such as ocean trenches and volcanoes.

Youngest Ocean Floor

The youngest ocean floor is located along the crest of mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed.

Ocean Floor Creation Rate

If ocean floor creation at divergent boundaries surpasses destruction at convergent boundaries, Earth's volume would increase.

Volcanic Arcs

A volcanic arc is formed by a series of volcanoes situated on the overriding plate near a subduction zone.

Continental Arcs

The Andes and Cascades mountain ranges exemplify continental arcs formed at convergent boundaries.

Seamounts

A seamount is defined as an active volcano found on a mid-ocean ridge crest.

Tablemounts

A tablemount is a seamount that has risen above sea level, been eroded by waves, and has become inactive.

Coral Reefs and Seamounts

Coral reefs exist in tropical latitudes and typically grow away from seamounts as they subside over time.

Growth of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs migrate away from seamounts to remain near sunlight, as seamounts are subject to subsidence.

Barrier Reefs vs. Atolls

Barrier reefs encircle inactive volcanoes that have emerged above sea level, while atolls surround the former location of submerged volcanoes.

Coral Reef Development Order

Coral reef development in proximity to seamounts progresses from fringing reefs to barrier reefs and finally to atolls.

Ocean Depth Measurement

Sonar calculates ocean depth by measuring the time taken for sound waves to travel to the seafloor and back.

Ocean Exploration Techniques

Seismic reflection surveys are the most effective technique for identifying potential oil and gas reservoirs beneath the ocean.

Sea Surface Variations

Satellites detect slight variations in sea surface height using radar, which indicate underlying seafloor features.

Ocean Margins

The Atlantic Ocean is classified as a passive margin, while the Pacific Ocean is recognized as an active margin.

Continental Shelf

The continental shelf refers to the submerged portions of continents which extend into the ocean.

Turbidity Currents

Turbidity currents flow from the continental shelf through canyons, forming deep-sea fans.

Subduction Erosion

A steep subduction angle can lead to the phenomenon of subduction erosion affecting the overriding plate.

Oceanic Coverage

The Pacific Ocean covers over half of the Earth's surface area, making it the largest ocean.

Bathymetry Studies

Bathymetry measures ocean depths and the topographical features of the seafloor.

Oceanic Ridge Elevation

The oceanic ridge system is elevated mainly due to the presence of new, hot basalt which is lighter than the surrounding ocean basin.

Hemispheric Definitions

The Water Hemisphere is primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, while the Land Hemisphere is situated in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Test your knowledge of key concepts in geology with these flashcards from Chapter 13 of Geology 1401. Explore the relationship between the crust and lithosphere, as well as the features associated with divergent and convergent boundaries. Perfect for review and exam preparation.