2.1 - Tectonic Processes
This scientist is known for proposing the original theory of continental drift.
Who is Alfred Wegener?
Type of erosion associated with glaciers?
What is Ice Erosion?
The difference in height between high tide and low tide
What is Tidal Amplitude (Range)?
ENSO is composed of 2 opposing phases
What are El Nino & La Nina?
Revised in the 1960s, this theory describes that plates were once a single massive land structure & explain how continents move.
What is the theory of continental drift?
Two or more tectonic plates move away from each other causing seafloor spreading
What are Divergent plate boundaries?
The greatest tidal amplitude occurring during a full moon or new moon?
What is a Spring Tide?
What phenomenon is caused by the movement of cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface?
What is Upwelling?
The mantle is the layer that is composed of very hot, semi-solid rock and is responsible for this kind of movement
what are convection currents
This is formed at convergent boundaries when an oceanic plate is forced under a continental plate?
What is a subduction zone?
Larger particles settle quickly when water slows down, while smaller particles can remain suspended longer
What is particle sizes influence on sedimentation?
Term for continuous physical movement of water in the ocean?
What are Ocean Currents?
Occurs every 3 to 5 years (sometimes longer), weather patterns in the equatorial region of the Pacific change.
What is the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
This type of evidence includes matching rock formations found on different continents.
What is geologic matching of rock formations?
Openings in the sea floor near mid-ocean ridges that, depending on the mineral composition that is present, can produce different colors.
What are hydrothermal vents?
ALSO acceptable: What are types of hydrothermal vents?
This littoral zone was found to be the most resistant to erosion (even though they tend to be most open & exposed) with very little sedimentation due to the high speeds of water coming in
What are Rocky Shores?
The deep underwater current that circulates the globe driven by differences in temperature and salinity?
What is the Global Conveyor Belt?
No upwelling, increase in temperature, reduction in productivity & collapse of local fisheries
What are El Nino Condition in the Pacific Ocean?
This type of evidence shows that striped pattern began at the Mid Ocean Ridges where crust is the weakest and magna pushed through.
What is Paleomagnetic stripes / Magnetic Polarity Reversal
Release of high-energy wave created by seismic activity from pressure built up around the plate causing large amounts of water to be displace
What are Tsunamis?
At this littoral zone, sedimentation is the primary factor in the formation
What are Muddy Shores?
Starting in the Arctic, cold water freezes leaving behind salts. This denser, high salinity water begins to move due to density differences
What is downwelling?
This event usually follows the occurrence of another event and allow more cold, water to rise to the surface bringing with it extra nutrients leading to higher productivity
What is La Nina?