Contents
How do plate tectonics explain why earthquakes and volcanoes occur?
Where plates come into contact, energy is released. Plates sliding past each other cause friction and heat. Subducting plates melt into the mantle, and diverging plates create new crust material. Subducting plates, where one tectonic plate is being driven under another, are associated with volcanoes and earthquakes.
How does the theory of plate tectonics explain volcanoes?
On land, volcanoes form when one tectonic plate moves under another. Usually a thin, heavy oceanic plate subducts, or moves under, a thicker continental plate. When enough magma builds up in the magma chamber, it forces its way up to the surface and erupts, often causing volcanic eruptions.
What are earthquakes and how are they formed in terms of the theory of plate tectonics?
At convergent boundaries, plates collide with one another. The collision buckles the edge of one or both plates, creating a mountain range or subducting one of the plates under the other, creating a deep seafloor trench. Convergent plate movement also creates earthquakes and often forms chains of volcanoes.
Who gave the theory of plate tectonics?
Alfred Wegener
The “Father of Plate Tectonics”, Alfred Wegener proposed “Continental Drift” in 1912, but was ridiculed by fellow scientists. It would take another 50 years for the concept to be accepted.
How does the theory of plate tectonics help to explain the?
This theory is used to explain the distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes and Fold Mountains, it states that the earth’s core consists of semi molten magma and the earth’s surface or crust sits on top of the magma and moves to heat produced by the decay of radioactive isotopes and friction in the core.
According to the theory of plate tectonics, Earth is an active planet. Its surface is composed of many individual plates that move and interact, constantly changing and reshaping Earth’s outer layer. Volcanoes and earthquakes both result from the movement of tectonic plates.
How are earthquakes related to the edges of the plates?
Mid-ocean ridges, trenches, and large faults mark the edges of the plates, and this is where earthquakes occur (Figurebelow). Earthquakes outline the plates. The lithosphere is divided into a dozen major and several minor plates (Figurebelow). The plates’ edges can be drawn by connecting the dots that mark earthquakes’ epicenters.
Where do earthquakes occur in a fault line?
Earthquakes occur along fault lines, cracks in Earth’s crust where tectonic plates meet. They occur where plates are subducting, spreading, slipping, or colliding. As the plates grind together, they get stuck and pressure builds up.