Lab2 Answers

L ab 2: Oceans and Continents TYARA HERRERA ESE 13, 4 OCTOBER 2023 For Dr. Sheldon Skaggs 1. Introduction In this study, a 3D model of Earth is used to view how Earth plates have moved in the past. The recorded movements were also compared with CO2 levels present during the corresponding geological age. The time gauge was adjusted frequently in order to determine the locations and conditions of different geological locations. 2. Procedure The scale provided was based on millions of years, with 0 at the top and 560 million at the bottom. The model was centered on New York. By moving through the different geological years, assumptions were formed about New York’s location through general areas of the globe at different times and its conditions. The formation of the Atlantic Ocean in correspondence to the Willison Cycle was then determined. Using the 3D model and the stages of the Willison Cycle, inferences about what occurs in the Atlantic Ocean as time progresses were formed. The stages are the following: A. Embryonic B. Juvenile C. Mature D. Declining E. Terminal F. Suturing Furthermore, Earth’s CO2 levels were recorded beginning at 400MYA and progressing towards modern time by moving the time gauge up by 20 million years for every mark. CO2 levels were then tracked again during the Ice Age, starting at 21000 MYA and moving the time gauge up 1000 years each time.In addition, a video using Google Earth to look under the ocean was provided. There were 10 locations visited. The location, name of feature, action causing feature, and type of sediment deposited at each location was recorded for every location. These tasks were completed by utilizing Excel spreadsheet. Free parameters (Age and CO2(ppm)) were established at the top of the charts. The spreadsheets represent the CO2 levels

present during each geological age. For instance, the CO2 level present during the geological age 400MYA was 3197. This pattern was continued until 0 MYA was reached. 3. Results Age (Millions of Years) Location Condition 540 South Pole Underwater 465 Southern Hemishphere Above Water 400 South Pole Underwater 300 Equator Above Water 200 Northern Hemisphere Above Water Age (millions of years) CO2 (ppm) 400 3197 380 3074 360 3474 340 2520 320 522 300 338 280 323 260 507 240 654 220 1356 200 1395 180 1363 160 1578 140 1068 120 1931 100 1521 80 1258 60 753 40 740 0 392 Age CO2 (ppm) 21000 185 20000 187 19000 188 18000 189 17000 200 16000 210 15000 220 14000 235 13000 239 12000 253 11000 258 10000 265 9000 259 8000 259 7000 259 6000 262 5000 265 4000 268 3000 370 2000 279 1000 279 0 401