Chapter 11: Problem 13

How does a craton differ from an orogenic belt?

Short Answer

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A craton is an old, stable part of the Earth's lithosphere found in the interiors of continents, characterized by low seismic activity and a relatively flat topography. An orogenic belt is a tectonically active region where the Earth's lithosphere has been deformed, leading to the formation of mountain ranges, and is usually located along the margins of continents. The main differences between cratons and orogenic belts lie in their tectonic activity, seismic activity, location, and topography.

Step by step solution

Definition of a Craton

A craton is an old and stable part of the Earth's lithosphere. It is characterized by its tectonically inactive state and is composed of a combination of both the Earth's crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. Cratons can be found in the interiors of continents, and they typically have a low seismic activity and a relatively flat topography.

Definition of an Orogenic Belt

An orogenic belt, on the other hand, is a region where the Earth's lithosphere has been deformed due to tectonic processes, such as plate convergence, leading to the formation of mountain ranges. Orogenic belts are tectonically active regions with high rates of seismic activity, volcanism, and metamorphism. They are usually found along the margins of continents.

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Tectonic Activity

One of the key differences between cratons and orogenic belts lies in their tectonic activity. Cratons are stable, ancient parts of the lithosphere with little to no tectonic activity, while orogenic belts are regions of ongoing deformation and tectonic activity, such as mountain formation and earthquakes.

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Seismic Activity

Seismic activity is another major factor that differentiates cratons from orogenic belts. Cratons, due to their stability and age, have low seismic activity, while orogenic belts have high seismic activity due to the ongoing tectonic processes and the movement of the Earth's plates.

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Location

The location of cratons and orogenic belts on the Earth's surface also distinguishes them from each other. Cratons are found in the interiors of continents, away from the active tectonic zones. In contrast, orogenic belts are primarily located along the margins of continents, where tectonic plates converge or interact with each other.

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Topography

Topography is another factor that sets cratons and orogenic belts apart. Cratons typically have a relatively flat topography due to their long geological stability and lack of tectonic activity. Orogenic belts, on the other hand, are characterized by mountain ranges and more varied topography, resulting from the ongoing tectonic processes that form and deform these regions.

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How does a craton differ from an orogenic belt?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of a Craton

Definition of an Orogenic Belt

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Tectonic Activity

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Seismic Activity

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Location

Comparing Cratons and Orogenic Belts: Topography

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