Techtonci Plates Move Due To Ocean Floor Volcanic Activity

Bathymetry the shape of the ocean floor is largely a result of a process called plate tectonics the outer rocky layer of the earth includes about a dozen large sections called tectonic plates that are arranged like a spherical jig saw puzzle floating on top of the earth s hot flowing mantle.

Techtonci plates move due to ocean floor volcanic activity. A long steep sided depression in the ocean floor caused by one plate sinking below another. Plate tectonics and the ocean floor. This crust is forming a new ocean floor. Recall that both continental landmasses and the ocean floor are part of the earth s crust and that the crust is broken into individual pieces called tectonic plates fig.

Both of these areas are known for their intense volcanic activity. Plate tectonics plate tectonics seafloor spreading. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory explaining the movement of the earth s crust. At a convergent boundary where both plates are continental mountain ranges grow and earthquakes are common.

This activity is focused along the edge of the plate boundary where two plates come into contact forming regions such as the pacific ring of fire a chain of earthquake and volcanic activity around the edge of the pacific ocean which generates 75 of the world s volcanoes and 80 of the world s earthquakes. One big reason is that the movement of the plates causes the formation of volcanoes basically breaks in the crust that serve as vents for heat and lava and their eruptions continually resurface the ocean basins that account for 72 percent of the earth s. It is the place where a new oceanic crust is rising out of the rift. At a convergent boundary with at least one oceanic plate an ocean trench a chain of volcanoes develops and many earthquakes occur.

The movements of these plates can account for noticeable geologic events such as earthquakes volcanic eruptions and more subtle yet sublime events like the building of mountains. It is a fascinating example of what can happen if the plates are moving from each other. As russo explains plate tectonics profoundly affect our entire planet and all of its natural processes. Spreading center volcanism spreading center volcanism occurs at rift zones where two plates are moving apart from each other.

As upwelling of magma continues the plates continue to diverge a process known as seafloor spreading. A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other. This zone is placed deep underwater. Samples collected from the ocean floor show that the age of oceanic crust increases with distance from the spreading centre important evidence in favour of this process.

At a divergent boundary volcanic activity produces a mid ocean ridge and small earthquakes. The developing boundary between two spreading continental plates is known as a continental rift. The formation of volcanoes. Most commonly this is the case at mid oceanic ridges where two oceanic plates move apart.

It is widely accepted by scientists today. Teach your students about plate tectonics using these classroom resources. Pacific ring of fire.