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Tectonic plates Definition: They are the crusts that float on the mantle Plate tectonics Definition: The process by which the crustal plates are being moved by
convection currents
Oceanic-oceanic crusts
Ridges (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) Divergent plate movement causes fractures and cracks to develop at the plate boundary Magma from the mantle begins to flow out from the cracks When this magma solidifies, new crust is formed at the plate boundary The constant flow magma along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge causes new crusts to form continuously and the old crust to be pushed further and further away from the plate boundary Lava fountains in the middle of ridges
Continental-continental crusts
Rift valleys (East African Rift Valley) Magma rises and squeezes through the widening cracks, sometimes to erupt and form volcanoes
The rising magma puts more pressure on the crust to produce additional fractures and, ultimately, the rift zone
Oceanic-continental crusts
Processes and Landforms Created Subduction
When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the thin and dense oceanic plate will bend underneath the thicker but less dense continental plate Gradually, the oceanic plate is pushed down into the depth of the molten upper mantle where it is melted into molten rock.
Volcanoes
The crust eventually melts as it moves deeper into the hot mantle Magma is formed, which due to its lower density, rises to the surface, leading to volcanic eruptions It is therefore quite common to find active volcanoes where convergent plate movement takes place Definition: A mountain or a hill formed of materials from the Earths interior that have been ejected under pressure from a vent
Trench Definition: The oceanic plate is sub ducted forming a depression, which is a trench. (PeruChile)
Oceanic-oceanic crusts
Oceanic trenches (Marianas Trench)
Definition: The convergence of two oceanic plates usually results in one being subducted under the other, leaving a depression, known as a trench
Earthquakes
Moderate to strong earthquakes are also frequent due to the stress created by the interaction of the two plates
Continental-continental crusts
Fold mountains (Himalayas)
Subduction does not take place, as continental rocks are relatively light The crust may be folded at the collision zone to form spectacular overland mountain ranges Found along convergent plate boundaries where two plates collide
Earthquakes
At the transform plate margins, huge landmasses moving in opposite directions result in tremendous friction and give rise to earthquakes.
Folding
When two plates collide, the compressional force puts the rock layers that form the Earths crust under great pressure Eventually, the bend and fold Folding found along convergent plate boundaries where two plates collide Usually found in sedimentary rocks because these rocks are softer and more flexible than other types of rocks Have the ability to deform under pressure
Faulting
When plates move, parts of the Earths crust may be subjected to compressional force or tensional force, which pulls the Earths crust apart These forces can cause the crust to fracture or tear apart The type of rock is a key factor that determines whether the rock will respond to pressure by folding or faulting While folding tends to be common in sedimentary rocks because of their flexibility, faulting is common in rocks that are brittle such as igneous and metamorphic rocks These rocks tend to fracture and break under pressure Unlike folding which tends to release stress gradually, faulting tends to store up stress and then release it suddenly
Vulcanicity
Another major tectonic process The upward movement of magma to the Earths surface forms volcanoes overtime Volcanoes are usually found along or near the plate boundaries Generally, a volcano is built up by the emission of lava and ashes from a vent in the Earths crust
Classification of volcanoes
By frequency of eruption
Active volcano
Constant emission of lava, ash, dust and smoke Strong sulfur smell
Dormant volcano
Has not erupted for hundreds of years May erupt any time in the future
Extinct volcano
Has no record of eruption in recorded history No sign of possible eruption
By shape
Shield volcano (Mauna Loa, Hawaii)
Cone-shaped with gentle slopes Consists of many layers of lava due to repeated flows Hot and fluid basic lava flows from a central vent Spreads over a wide area Cools and solidifies slowly Frequent eruptions but usually quiet and gentle with large quantities of fluid basic lava
Formation of volcanoes
Composite volcano
Viscous(Thick and not fluid) lava solidifying in the central pipe Gas pressure builds up as magma cannot escape When pressure cannot be suppressed, eruption occurs Ash and cinders thrown into the air falls back near vent Lava flows over the ash and cinders Repeated eruptions form alternating layers of ash and cinders and lava.
Shield volcano
Basic lava is less viscous Hence spreads over a large area before solidifying Acid lava dome volcano Acid lava is more viscous Hence cools quickly before it can travel far ( Larger Surface Area)
Caldera
An enlarged crater Formation Collapse of volcano into magma chamber Eruption of volcano Crater lakes Definition: Crater filled with water Rainwater filling up crater and empty magma chamber over.
Usefulness of volcanoes
Fertile volcanic soils Valuable minerals and precious stones are found in volcanic rocks Interesting volcanic landforms can lead to the development of the tourism industry, which is an important source of revenue Geothermal energy is an important source of clean energy for generating electricity