Lecture 5: Plate Tectonics II Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What type of rocks does stratigraphy primarily deal with?

  • Igneous rocks
  • Metamorphic rocks
  • Sedimentary rocks (correct)
  • All of the above

Which of Steno's principles states that in an undisturbed sequence of strata, the oldest layers are at the bottom?

  • Principle of Original Lateral Continuity
  • Principle of Superposition (correct)
  • Principle of Unconformity
  • Principle of Original Horizontality

What does the term "strata" refer to in the context of stratigraphy?

  • Layers of sedimentary rock (correct)
  • Individual rock crystals
  • Folds and faults in the Earth's crust
  • The process of rock formation

What is the significance of Steno's principles in the study of stratigraphy?

<p>They provide a framework for interpreting the sequence of rock layers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what does "layered rocks" equal?

<p>Strata (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process occurring at divergent plate boundaries?

<p>Creation of new lithosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with divergent plate boundaries?

<p>Deep ocean trenches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of which type of plate boundary?

<p>Divergent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of events in the formation of a new ocean basin at a divergent plate boundary?

<p>Narrow fault-bounded sea, rift valley, coastal mountain range, wide ocean (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of magma in the formation of new lithosphere at divergent plate boundaries?

<p>Magma rises to the surface and solidifies to form new lithosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are divergent plate boundaries considered sites of constructive activity?

<p>They are responsible for the creation of new lithosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common feature found at divergent plate boundaries?

<p>Volcanic arcs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the presence of rift valleys in the context of divergent plate boundaries?

<p>Rift valleys represent the initial stage of the formation of a new ocean basin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of uniformitarianism?

<p>The present is the key to understanding the past. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between uniformitarianism and actualism?

<p>Actualism focuses on the rate at which processes occur, while uniformitarianism does not. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does plate tectonics contribute to the rock cycle?

<p>Plate tectonics creates mountains, which erode to form sediments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of rocks are formed when sediments are buried and lithified?

<p>Sedimentary rocks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between convergent plate boundaries and mountain formation?

<p>Convergent plate boundaries cause the collision of plates, which push up mountains. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of actualism?

<p>Using the rate of erosion in modern rivers to estimate the age of ancient canyons. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does plate tectonics play a role in the rock cycle?

<p>Plate tectonics creates mountains, which are the main source of sediments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement "The present is the key to the past"?

<p>It means that we can use the processes we observe today to understand past events. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following geological principles describes the relationship between rock fragments within another body of rock and the body of rock that contains them?

<p>Principle of Inclusions &amp; Components (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Steno's Principle of Original Horizontality, how are strata initially formed?

<p>Strata are formed horizontally, with the oldest layers at the bottom. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does an angular unconformity represent in the geological record?

<p>A period of time where erosion occurred, followed by deposition of new strata at an angle to the older strata. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a geological principle discussed in the content?

<p>Principle of Superposition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key concept behind the Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships?

<p>Faults and intrusions are younger than the rock they cut through. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A disconformity represents a period of...

<p>Erosion and non-deposition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Principle of Original Lateral Continuity imply about the extent of strata?

<p>Strata were initially unbroken and extended over large areas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Steno's Principles, how can we determine the relative age of undisturbed rock strata?

<p>By observing the order in which they are stacked, with the oldest at the bottom. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a geological feature that can interrupt the continuity of strata?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between Steno's Principles and the Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships?

<p>They are complementary principles that help us understand the relative ages of geological features. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which type of plate boundary can a subduction zone be found?

<p>Oceanic-Continental (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of mountain building along convergent boundaries?

<p>Plate movement and collision (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common feature associated with convergent plate boundaries?

<p>Mid-ocean ridges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does volcanic activity typically occur at oceanic-oceanic convergent boundaries?

<p>The subducting plate melts, generating magma that rises to the surface (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of convergent boundary is characterized by the formation of mountain ranges but typically does not involve subduction or volcanism?

<p>Continental-Continental (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Convergent Boundaries

Areas where two tectonic plates move toward each other.

Oceanic-Oceanic Boundary

A convergent boundary where one oceanic plate subducts under another, forming an ocean trench.

Oceanic-Continental Boundary

A convergent boundary where a denser oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate, creating a subduction zone.

Continental-Continental Boundary

A convergent boundary where two continental plates collide, causing mountain ranges to form.

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Effects of Convergent Boundaries

Result in deformation, volcanism, earthquakes, and formation of valuable minerals.

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Divergent Boundaries

Places where two tectonic plates move apart, forming new lithosphere.

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Mid-Atlantic Ridge

An example of a divergent boundary located in the Atlantic Ocean.

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Uniformitarianism

The principle that geological processes have operated in the same way throughout Earth's history.

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Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

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Plate Tectonics

The unifying theory explaining the movement of Earth's plates and associated phenomena.

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Volcanic Activity

Movement of magma from within the Earth that results in the eruption of lava, ash, and gases.

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Rift Valley

A lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates, often featuring volcanic activity.

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Coastal Mountain Range

Mountain ranges that form near divergent boundaries, often leading to coastal features.

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Stratigraphy

The branch of geology that studies layered rocks and their relationships.

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Strata

Layers of sedimentary rocks that have distinct characteristics.

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Principle of Superposition

In an undisturbed sequence, oldest strata are at the bottom.

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Principle of Original Horizontality

Layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally.

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Principle of Original Lateral Continuity

Layers of sediment initially extend laterally in all directions.

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Transform Plate Boundaries

Boundaries where tectonic plates slide past each other, potentially causing earthquakes or tsunamis.

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Convergent Plate Boundaries

Regions where two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains.

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Mountains Erosion

The process where mountains wear down, producing sediments over time.

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Sediment Transport

Movement of eroded material from one place to another, leading to burial and lithification.

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Lithification

The process of turning sediment into solid rock through compaction and cementation.

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Igneous Rocks Formation

Rocks formed by cooling and solidifying molten material from the Earth.

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Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks formed from existing rocks changed by heat, pressure, or chemical processes.

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Oldest Strata Position

In an undisturbed sequence, the oldest strata are at the bottom.

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Erosion Impact

Strata can be interrupted or broken by erosion processes.

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Principle of Cross-Cutting Relationships

Younger rocks or faults cut across older rocks, indicating relative age.

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Principle of Inclusions

Rock fragments within another rock are older than the rock they are in.

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Substantial Erosion Examined

Intervals of time marked by erosion rather than deposition are critical.

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Angular Unconformity

An unconformity where strata tilt and then erode before new layers are deposited on top.

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Disconformity Definition

A type of unconformity representing a gap in deposition between layers.

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Geological Time Interval

A significant amount of geological time when erosion occurs instead of deposition.

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Study Notes

Lecture 5: Plate Tectonics II and Principles of Geology

  • Quiz 2 is scheduled for Friday, with unlimited attempts and a due time of 11:59 PM.

Objectives for Today

  • Overview of continental drift hypothesis and Plate Tectonics Theory.
  • Identification of the three types of plate boundaries.
  • Understanding uniformitarianism, a main tenet of geology.
  • Exploring fundamental principles of geology.

Plate Boundaries (Fig 3.12)

  • A global map displays major tectonic plates and their direction of movement.
  • Key features like ridge axes, subduction zones, and hot spots are labeled.
  • Quantitative data (e.g., distances) are shown to depict the size and movement of plates.

The Three Types of Plate Boundaries (Table 3.1)

  • Divergent: Plates move apart, creating new lithosphere, often found in ocean ridges (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge). Forms landforms like mid-oceanic ridges with axial rift valleys and rift valleys. Volcanism is common, with basalt as the primary volcanic rock type.
  • Convergent: Plates move towards each other, causing deformation, volcanism, and mountain building. Three subtypes: Oceanic-oceanic, creating volcanic island arcs and ocean trenches; Oceanic-continental, creating volcanic arcs and mountain ranges; Continental-continental, creating mountain belts like the Himalayas.
  • Transform: Plates slide past each other horizontally. Results in fault valleys like the San Andreas Fault.

Divergent Boundaries (Fig 3.13)

  • Formation of new lithosphere is a feature of divergent boundaries.
  • Often seen in ocean ridges. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a key example.

Convergent Boundaries (Oceanic-Oceanic, Oceanic-Continental, Continental-Continental)

  • Oceanic-Oceanic: Higher-density plate subducts beneath the other, creating volcanic island arcs and deep ocean trenches.
  • Oceanic-Continental: Denser oceanic plate subducts causing partial melting in the overlying mantle and leading to volcanism. Characteristic features include volcanic arcs and mountain ranges.
  • Continental-Continental: Two continental plates collide, resulting in mountain ranges, due to the lack of subduction, (e.g., Himalayas).

Stratigraphy

  • A subfield of geology that examines the composition, origin, age, and distribution of layered rocks (strata). It deals mainly with sedimentary rocks.

Steno's Principles

  • Principle of Superposition: Older strata are found at the bottom, in undisturbed rock layers.
  • Principle of Original Horizontality: Strata were originally horizontal.
  • Principle of Original Lateral Continuity: Strata were originally continuous.

Other Geological Principles

  • Cross-cutting relationships: Intrusive igneous rocks or faults are younger than the rock they invade.
  • Inclusions: Rock fragments within another body of rock are older than the including body of rock.
  • Unconformities: Represent substantial intervals of time when erosion occurred rather than deposition (e.g., angular unconformity, disconformity, nonconformity).

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