Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

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Questions and Answers

What geological process does plate tectonics primarily explain?

  • The Earth's magnetic field
  • The formation of sedimentary rocks
  • The creation of fossils
  • The movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates (correct)

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

  • Alfred Wegener (correct)
  • Charles Darwin
  • Isaac Newton
  • Albert Einstein

Which scientist is famous for artworks such as the Mona Lisa and also contributed to early ideas about Earth's history?

  • Marie Curie
  • Nikola Tesla
  • Galileo Galilei
  • Leonardo da Vinci (correct)

What does the Law of Superposition state about rock layers?

<p>Younger rock layers are on top (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name for the division of Earth's history into eons, eras, periods, and epochs?

<p>The Geological Time Scale (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms called?

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

Which type of dating method determines the sequence of events without specifying exact ages?

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

What is the term for footprints or burrows that indicate past life?

<p>Trace Fossils (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of unconformity involves tilted or folded rocks overlain by flat-lying rocks?

<p>Angular Unconformity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships, is the feature that cuts through another older or younger?

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

Flashcards

Plate Tectonics

Movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.

Continental Drift Theory

Continents were once a single landmass (Pangaea) and drifted apart over millions of years.

Law of Superposition

Younger rock layers are on top, older ones are at the bottom in undisturbed rock sequences.

Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships

A geologic feature that cuts through another is younger than the feature it cuts through.

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Law of Inclusions

Fragments found within a rock layer must be older than the rock layer itself.

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Geological Time Scale

Divides Earth's history into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages to understand the sequence of events.

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Fossils

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, including body fossils (bones) and trace fossils (footprints).

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Relative Dating

Determines the sequence of events without exact ages, using principles like superposition.

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Absolute Dating

Uses radioactive decay to determine the actual age of rocks and fossils.

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Angular Unconformity

Tilted or folded rocks overlain by flat-lying rocks, indicating a period of deformation and erosion.

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Study Notes

  • Plate tectonics explains the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates
  • This movement causes earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation

Continental Drift Theory

  • Alfred Wegener proposed the continental drift theory
  • The theory suggests continents were once a single landmass called Pangaea
  • Over time, these continents drifted apart

Evidence Supporting Continental Drift

  • Fossil similarities are found across continents
  • Rock formations and mountain ranges align across continents
  • Climatic evidence includes glacial deposits in now-warm regions

Leonardo da Vinci’s Contributions

  • Leonardo da Vinci was famous for artworks such as the Mona Lisa, Madonna of the Rocks, and The Last Supper
  • He was also a scientist, engineer, and geologist
  • His observations of fossils and rock layers contributed to early ideas about Earth’s history

Laws of Stratigraphy (Relative Dating)

  • The Law of Superposition states that younger rock layers are on top and older ones are at the bottom
  • The Law of Cross-Cutting Relationships states a geologic feature that cuts through another is younger
  • The Law of Inclusions says fragments found in a rock must be older than the rock itself

Geological Time Scale

  • The geological time scale divides Earth's history into eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages
  • It helps understand the sequence of events in Earth's past

Fossils

  • Fossils are preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms
  • Body fossils include bones, teeth, and shells
  • Trace fossils include footprints, burrows, or indirect evidence of life

Dating Methods

  • Relative dating determines the sequence of events without exact ages
  • Absolute dating uses radioactive decay, such as Carbon Dating, to determine the actual age of rocks and fossils

Types of Unconformities

  • Angular unconformity involves tilted or folded rocks overlain by flat-lying rocks
  • Nonconformity involves igneous or metamorphic rocks overlain by sedimentary layers
  • Disconformity involves missing layers between parallel strata due to erosion

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