EESB18H3 Chapter 2: Chapter 2
16 Oct 2011
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Document Summary
Plate tectonic theory: surface of the earth is divided into large plates that change position/size. Continental drift+ sea-floor spreading = theory of plate tectonics. Tectonics: study of the origin and arrangement of structural features of earth"s surface ex. Folds/ faults, mountain belts, continents etc: geologic activity occurs at plate boundaries; plates move away, past or towards each other. 8 big plates + small ones = outer shell of earth. Plate tectonics explain: earthquake distribution, origin of mountain belts / sea-floor topography, distribution/composition of volcanoes: theory: 1960. Continental drift: continents move freely over the earth"s surface. Sea-floor spreading: sea floor forms at the crest of mid-ocean ridges, move horizontally away from the ridge toward ocean trench. Idea of super continents around for more than 130 years. Laurasia ( northern super continent) + gondwamaland ( south + india) = pangea. Glacial features indicate cold climate near north/south pole ; coral reef indicate warm water near equator.
