Which of the following is associated with the movement of two continents away from each other? A. the formation of hurricanes B. the formation of an ocean ridge C. the formation of fjords D. the formation of a V-shaped valley

Short Answer

Expert verified
B. the formation of an ocean ridge

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question asks for the event associated with the movement of two continents away from each other.
02

Recall Key Concepts

When two continents move away from each other, it typically involves geological processes related to plate tectonics.
03

Identify the Correct Geological Feature

Among the given options, identify which one is related to plate tectonics and the movement of continents.
04

Analyze Options

A. Hurricanes are weather phenomena and are unrelated to plate tectonics. B. An ocean ridge forms when tectonic plates move apart. C. Fjords are formed by glacial processes. D. V-shaped valleys are formed by river erosion.
05

Select the Correct Answer

The formation of an ocean ridge is the correct answer as it is associated with the movement of two tectonic plates away from each other.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Continental Drift
Continental drift is a fundamental concept in geology that explains how continents change their positions over time. This idea was first proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. He suggested that continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and have since drifted apart.
There are several pieces of evidence supporting continental drift, including:
  • Matching geological structures on different continents
  • Similar fossils found in continents that are now far apart
  • Fit of the continents like puzzle pieces
These clues helped scientists understand that the Earth's crust is divided into tectonic plates that move over the mantle. This movement is slow but continuous, driven by forces such as mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push.
Ocean Ridge Formation
Ocean ridge formation occurs at divergent boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new oceanic crust as it cools and solidifies.
Mid-ocean ridges are the most prominent features formed by this process. They are underwater mountain ranges that extend for thousands of kilometers across the ocean floor. Examples include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise.
Key characteristics of ocean ridges include:
  • High heat flow due to volcanic activity
  • Presence of hydrothermal vents which support unique ecosystems
  • Symmetrical pattern of magnetic stripes on either side of the ridge, providing evidence for seafloor spreading
Understanding ocean ridge formation helps explain how new oceanic crust is generated and how plate tectonics reshapes the Earth's surface.
Tectonic Plates Movement
The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These plates are constantly moving, though very slowly, at rates of a few centimeters per year.
Tectonic plate movement is driven by several mechanisms, including:
  • Mantle convection: Hot magma rises towards the surface, cools, and sinks again, creating convection currents.
  • Ridge push: New crust forms at ocean ridges and cools, pushing older crust away.
  • Slab pull: Dense oceanic crust sinks into the mantle at subduction zones, pulling the rest of the plate with it.
There are three main types of plate boundaries:
  • Divergent boundaries: Plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust.
  • Convergent boundaries: Plates move towards each other, causing subduction or mountain building.
  • Transform boundaries: Plates slide past each other, leading to earthquakes.
Tectonic plates movement is a crucial concept to understand various geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the creation of mountain ranges.

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