EARTH SCIENCE LESSON 2
I. Main Content Statement: Earth's crust consists of major and minor tectonic plates that move relative to one another.
Discussion Question 1. Do the edges of these plates seem to correspond directly to the edges of the continents?
Discussion Question 2. How do you think these plates could move relative to one another?
Discussion Question 3: What might geologists have observed to conclude that
a) plates exist in the first place, and
b) that they are undergoing movement rather than sitting still?
Discussion Question 2. How do you think these plates could move relative to one another?
Discussion Question 3: What might geologists have observed to conclude that
a) plates exist in the first place, and
b) that they are undergoing movement rather than sitting still?
Discussion Question 4. What do the colors red, blue, and yellow represent on this map?
Discussion Question 5. Suppose you were the scientist who first theorized that the plates move. What would you call your theory?
II. Knowledge Developer #1: Historical data and observations such as fossil distribution, paleomagnetism, continental drift and sea-floor spreading contributed to the theory of plate tectonics.
A. Fossil Distribution - Mesosaurus
B. Paleomagnetism
C. Continental Drift
Using GPS Data Today to Show Continental Movement
D. Seafloor Spreading
Scientific exploration has revealed so much about the sea floor.
III. Knowledge Developer #2: The rigid tectonic plates move with the molten rock and magma beneath them in the upper mantle. Convection currents in the crust and upper mantle cause the movement of the plates. The energy that forms convection currents comes from deep within the Earth.
IV. Knowledge Developer #3: There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent and transform. Each type causes events (such as earthquakes and volcanic activity) or features (such as mountains or trenches) that are indicative of the type of boundary.
A. Convergent Plate Boundary
B. Divergent Plate Boundary
C. Transform Plate Boundary
V. Knowledge Developer #4: The Ring of Fire, San Andreas Fault, Mid Atlantic Ridge, Mariana Trench, Hawaiian Islands, and New Madrid Fault System are prominent geologic features that result from plate movements.
Here's an interactive:
VI. Knowledge Developer #5: Do you know how each of the following types of geologic activities are related to plate boundary activity?
Volcanic activity
Earthquakes
Tsunamis
Geysers
Hot springs
Faults
Oceanic vents
Island arcs
Hot spots
Rift valleys
Here is a document that takes you through each.
type_of_geologic_activity.docx | |
File Size: | 916 kb |
File Type: | docx |