Chapter 27, Problem 5TE

Is it likely that present-day ocean basins are a permanent feature on our planet? Defend your answer.

To determine

Whether present-day ocean basins are a permanent feature on our planet.

Answer to Problem 5TE

The present-day ocean basins are not a permanent feature on our planet.

Explanation of Solution

According to plate tectonics theory, the Earth's crust is in constant movement and rearrangement. What is under an ocean today may have been a mountain top millions of years ago. Also, it could be a high plain a million years from now. Volcanoes form and fill in basins, rock slides change the shape of the Earth, and earthquakes split the Earth or push it back together.

The changes in the Earth lithosphere make gradual changes in the Earth, this makes the present-day ocean basins temporary feature on our planet.

Conclusion:

Therefore, present-day ocean basins are not a permanent feature on our planet.