GOL 105 Plate Tectonics Lab 2020 revision

Name Hilu Aliyi GOL 105: Physical Geology Plate Tectonics Lab (2020 revision) Maps to use: This Dynamic Planet (USGS publications) - http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/2800/ A Global Map/Atlas – The National Geographic Map below can be used or an equivalent one that includes geographic and sea floor features. https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/#/ Please save this document on your computer with a file name including your name before entering your answers into the tables provided, then save your copy & submit it via Canvas. Directions: Please identify several examples of each of the following plate tectonic settings using the maps referenced above. Please read the legend at the bottom of the This Dynamic Planet Map which explains the symbols used on the map. For each example, provide a geographic name for the setting ( e.g ., the Andes Mountains, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, etc .) and identify the tectonic plate(s) that are involved. The plate names are identified on the This Dynamic Planet Map. The This Dynamic Planet Map does not provide the names of associated geologic features. To find these you will need to use an atlas. Several geographic atlases can be found online (The link above is for the global atlas from National Geographic), or you can use one that you may have access to at your home. Be sure you find an atlas that contains the geographic names of the ocean floor features in addition to the geographic names of land features. Some features may have more than one geographic feature associated with them. For instance, an ocean- continent convergent boundary can be identified by the deep-sea trench or by the continental volcanic arc. You will only need to identify each setting with one prominent geographic feature, but listing more than one will be useful for you. Finally, list the general geologic phenomena or features that are typically associated with each type of plate tectonic features. These can include the following:  small shallow earthquakes  large deep earthquakes  volcanoes (volcanic island arcs, continental volcanic arcs, or hot spot volcanic tracks)  deep sea trenches  oceanic ridges (spreading centers)  continental mountain ranges (non-volcanic) Don’t list specific place names or landscape features (like “Mount St. Helens”) – the goal here is to see what all the examples of this particular type of boundary have in common (like “deep earthquakes, volcanic island arcs, and deep sea trenches”).

Divergent Boundaries: Identify five (5) different divergent plate boundaries (spreading centers) on the earth. What general geologic features/phenomena ( i.e ., earthquakes, volcanoes, trenches, mountains, etc.) are associated with this boundary? Be careful, not all features labeled “ridge” on the map are tectonic spreading centers. Name Plates Involved Red Sea Rif Between the African Plate and the Arabian Plate East African Rif Somalian plate and African Plate Gakkel Ridge North American plate and Eurasian plate Mid-Atlantic Ridge Eurasian plate and African Plate East Pacific Rise Pacific Plate and North American plate Geologic Features/Phenomena Red Sea Rift: Seafloor spreading, distribution of Late Cenozoic lava fields East African Rift: volcanic activity, earthquakes, barren desert, hot springs/geysers, extend from Jordan to Mozambique Gakkel Ridge: seafloor spreading, earthquakes, active volcanoes, connects with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the Laptev Sea Mid- Atlantic Ridge: trenches, volcanic activity, earthquakes, seafloor spreading, underwater mountains, runs from the North Pole to Bouvet Island East Pacific Rise: active volcanic ridges, shallow-water earthquakes, and underwater volcanoes spread lava across the seafloor.

Ocean-Continent Identify three (3) different ocean-continent convergent boundaries. Be sure to indicate which two plates are involved in the collision, and which plate is being subducted. What general geologic features/phenomena are associated with this boundary? Name Plates Involved Peru-Chile Trench Nazca Plate and South American Plate Subduction: The Nazca Plate is being subducted beneath the South American Plate. Cascadia Subduction Zone Juan de Fuca Plate and North American Plate Subduction: The Juan de Fuca Plate is being subducted beneath the North American Plate. Java Trench Indo- Australian Plate and Eurasian Plate Subduction: The Indo- Australian Plate is being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate. Geologic Features/Phenomena The Peru- Chilie Trench is associated with the formation of deep ocean trenches, such as the Peru-Chile Trench, and the volcanic Andes Mountain range. The subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate results in volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the uplift of the Andes Mountains. The Cascadia Subduction Zone is characterized by a subduction zone off the western coast of North America. It is associated with the formation of the Cascade Range of volcanoes, including famous peaks like Mount St. Helens. The subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate also leads to the potential for significant earthquakes along the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada. The Java Trench features a deep ocean trench and volcanic arcs. It is associated with the formation of volcanic islands in Indonesia, such as Sumatra and Java, as well as significant seismic activity. The subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate results in volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and the potential for tsunamis.

Continent-Continent Identify at least one (1) continent-continent convergent boundary. Be sure to indicate which two plates are involved in the collision. What geologic features/phenomena are associated with this boundary? Name Plates Involved The Himalayan Convergent Boundary Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate (both continental) Geologic Features/Phenomena Himalayan Mountain Range: The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate has led to the uplift of the Himalayan Mountain range. Tiberian Plateau: The collision has also caused the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of the World”. Seismic Activity: The collision of these two continental plates results in intense seismic activity, including frequent earthquakes. Continued Uplift and Erosion: The collision continues to uplift the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, and erosion processes, including rivers and glaciers, shape the landscape. The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus rivers, among others, have cut deep valleys through the region. Formation of Plateau and Mountain Valleys: The collision and associated tectonic activities have led to the formation of plateau landscapes and deep valleys, creating unique geological and ecological features in the region.

Hot Spots: Identify five (4) active hot spots on the surface of the Earth. What geologic features/phenomena are associated with this boundary? Name Plate Involved Hawaiian Hot Spot Pacific Plate Icelandic Hot Spot Mid-Atlantic Ridge Galápagos Hot Spot Naza Plate Yellowstone Hot Spot North American Plate Geologic Features/Phenomena Hawaiian Hot Spot: Features: Volcanic island, lava flows, calderas, craters Phenomena: Ongoing volcanic eruptions, lush landscapes Icelandic Hot Spot: Features: Volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, lava fields Phenomena: Basaltic eruptions, geothermal activity. Galápagos Hot Spot: Features Volcanic islands, diverse ecosystems. Phenomena: Continuous volcanic activity, unique biodiversity. Yellowstone Hot Spot Features: Super volcano, geysers, hot spring. Phenomena: Geothermal features, seismic activity.

You can determine if an ocean basin is getting bigger or smaller through time by estimating the percentage of its perimeter that is composed of deep-sea trenches. If more than half the perimeter (>50%) is composed of deep-sea trenches, it is likely that the ocean basin is currently getting smaller over time. If less than half the perimeter (<50%) is composed of deep-sea trenches, the ocean is likely getting bigger over time. Identify whether each of the following oceans or seas is getting bigger or smaller through time: Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean is getting bigger over time. Pacific Ocean The Pacific Ocean is getting smaller over time. Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is getting smaller over time. Red Sea The Red Sea is getting bigger over time. Arctic Ocean The Arctic Ocean is getting bigger over time.