Chapter 3: Problem 11

How did the observations of heat flow and seismicity support the hypothesis of seafloor spreading? (E)

Short Answer

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Observations of heat flow and seismicity support the hypothesis of seafloor spreading by showcasing the relationship between heat flow, seismic activity, and the geological processes associated with seafloor spreading. At mid-ocean ridges, there is higher heat flow due to the creation of new crust from magma upwelling. The heat flow decreases as we move further away from the ridges, indicating older and cooler crust. Seismic activity is also high at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones, suggesting geological stresses linked to the creation and destruction of oceanic crust. Together, these observations provide strong evidence for the ongoing process of seafloor spreading.

Step by step solution

Understanding Heat Flow, Seismicity, and Seafloor Spreading

Before diving into how these phenomena are connected, let's define each concept: - Heat flow: The transfer of heat energy from Earth's interior to its surface. - Seismicity: The frequency, type, and size of earthquakes experienced over a certain period or within a specified geographical region. - Seafloor spreading: The process in which the oceanic crust moves away from the mid-ocean ridges where new crust is being formed by the upwelling of magma.

Observations of Heat Flow Supporting Seafloor Spreading

In the mid 1900s, researchers found out that the heat flow near mid-ocean ridges was much higher than in areas farther away from these ridges. This observation supported the idea that new crust was being formed at these ridges through upwelling of magma. The heat flow decreases as we move away from the ridges, which demonstrates that the crust gets older and cooler with increasing distance from the ridge. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis of seafloor spreading - where new crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, slowly moves away, and cools down.

Observations of Seismicity Supporting Seafloor Spreading

Seismic activity is typically high along mid-ocean ridges and in regions where the seafloor is descending beneath a continental plate (subduction zones). This pattern of seismicity is consistent with the hypothesis of seafloor spreading because the creation of new crust at mid-ocean ridges would cause geological stresses and generate earthquakes. Similarly, at subduction zones where older, denser oceanic crust is colliding with and being forced beneath a less dense continental plate, we would expect increased seismic activity due to the friction and movement between the two plates. Overall, the distribution of seismic activity strongly supports the overall process of seafloor spreading.

Connecting Heat Flow, Seismicity, and Seafloor Spreading

These observations of heat flow and seismicity provide evidence for the hypothesis of seafloor spreading. The increased heat flow at mid-ocean ridges is indicative of the creation of new crust, while the decreasing heat flow with increasing distance from the ridges supports the idea of crust moving away from the ridges and cooling. In addition, the seismic activity at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones further supports the hypothesis, as it demonstrates geological stresses and movements associated with the creation and destruction of oceanic crust. Together, these observations corroborate the concept of seafloor spreading and contribute to our understanding of Earth's geological processes.

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How did the observations of heat flow and seismicity support the hypothesis of seafloor spreading? (E)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Heat Flow, Seismicity, and Seafloor Spreading

Observations of Heat Flow Supporting Seafloor Spreading

Observations of Seismicity Supporting Seafloor Spreading

Connecting Heat Flow, Seismicity, and Seafloor Spreading

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