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1C1r1EID TM CRUSTAL EVOLUTION EDUCATION. PROJECT o U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER 'ERIC) 4/Thd document has been reproduced as reserved from me person or orgaruzauon progmaung Woo, changes have been made to improve reproduced! (ItialaY pamts of spoons stated ,r INS doCu men; do ^st ^eceSS.a,ty represent offic431 ME 4:oStton pond 4 - A ( N PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL IN MICROFICHE ONLY HAS =EEN GRANTED BY eumekb-,f;Ai TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries TEACHER'S GUIDE Catalog No. 34W1016 7 For use with Student investigation 34W1116 Clatis time: One to two 45- minute periods Developed by THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEOLOGY TEACHERS Produced and Distributed by Wailys Natural Science Establiihment, Inc. Rochester, NY Monte'rey, CA GA V, 2 Sw
Transcript
Page 1: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

1C1r1EIDTM

CRUSTALEVOLUTIONEDUCATION.

PROJECT

o

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATIONCENTER 'ERIC)

4/Thd document has been reproduced asreserved from me person or orgaruzauonprogmaung

Woo, changes have been made to improve

reproduced! (ItialaY

pamts of spoons stated ,r INS doCu

men; do ^st ^eceSS.a,ty represent offic431 ME

4:oStton pond

4 -A

(

N

PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMATERIAL IN MICROFICHE ONLYHAS =EEN GRANTED BY

eumekb-,f;AiTO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)

IntroductionTo Lithospherk

Plate BoundariesTEACHER'S GUIDE

Catalog No. 34W1016

7 For use with Student investigation 34W1116Clatis time: One to two 45- minute periods

Developed by

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEOLOGY TEACHERS

Produced and Distributed byWailys Natural Science Establiihment, Inc. Rochester, NY Monte'rey, CA

GA

V,

2

Sw

Page 2: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

NAGT Crustal Evolution Education ProjectEdward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director

to the exciting world of current researchin' 9 co.-nPipsiti on n.story and processes of the

artn ,:...1St and the application of this knowledgeJ man s activities The earth science-as are

currer"; experiencing a dramatic revolution in,r of tne ,,evaiy r, vriin tne earth

-_,EEPmoduies are designed to bring intothe ,:'assrn the methods and results of tnese

' h ; i investi:tat -Jris ThP Crustal EvolutionEd ,sa iTre- Rrciect began work in 1974 under

iSruCeS of the National Association of-)'_jy Teachers CEEP ma'erials nave been

n, teams of science educatorsai,SD`i^r7 'eac,^ers and scientists Prior to

rat- pals were field tested by,ere ?"-11) teai.7,hers and over 12 000 students

,_.tion research is a breakingrs trr:,,Ugn today

About CEEP Modules...yS` ,EEC ,d -if 'Tv° torc,okiets

-"eashe Si a-d a St :dent investigations . s,orta ris ai tne information

.s'rl., n ' Dnii

n. wie a-s we's tc, the Questions ratSt_,1P":".' in ,eStigt,r

ations that,GiJide'and these

aces eistead of the number.sed St _.ide'tit Iriestigation

'-aps and`other7, assx-,}9- -aterii)s are heeded arid ir

aThr-

i t-rea

The aeria: ryas pr4Rared with th4ppor, r, Nation4al Science Foundaripn

Grant Nos SED 75-20151 SED 77-08539and SED 78 25104, However any opinionsfindings cone sons Or cecomnpndationsoxpressert rerein are those of the author is)and do ,ot ,ecessarily reflect the viewsof NSF

in urdVir fiD compl/ w7th U S Puolio Law94-86 every sc,looi district in the U S A.,sing these materials agrees to makethem available for inspection by parents orguardians of children engaged ineducational programs or protects of theschool district

4Copyright 1911 by Soulhoest Missouri State UnIverelty

Teachers and students alike have a unigiiieopportunity through CEEP modules to share in theiinfoldin- of these educationally important and.yciting advances CEEP modules are designedto Drovide students with appealing firsthandinvestidahve experiences with concepts which are

Or CIOSt2 to the trOntierS of scientific ilquiry4ntoplate tectonics Eurtnerniore the CEEP modules

designed to he used by teachers with little 9rn ;s nackground in the modern theories

sea-floor spreading continental drkft and platetec,tonics,

KO).": that yoe.iH enjoy usinr,; CEP-or1,11es .9 j 'D.,r ciassr-Jom Read on and oe

experiPrce, a, renewed enthusiasm forrid OS ;;;11 ,earn more about tre Hying earth

"- c 1,1 CEPP

Ja-tit es ai.s.cording to tne method of:--esentahon Read or the module beforetiler its Ise-; ir class and refer to the list ref

TERleat_c; 're moduleErr-, module, is Hri,ividual and self-contained in

3 axe divided ir. to ti,iivo Or moree, cr,,--,ver-erice Th4 recommended lengthie afi3r r_rcr, "nrirluIP indicated Some modules

nui-e rererv.isiee kno..ev'edge J+ some aspectsear-et science this is nuted ire thx-s G ey=

1-

Page 3: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

NAGT Crustal Evolution Education ProjectEdward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director

",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current researchinto Dosit, on history and processes of the

and the application df this kno\'wledge'j s activities The earth sciences arecurren- / experiencing a dramatic revolution in

_hle,rstanii'ng "Df the Nay in which the earthmodules are designed to bring into

z'assr-)o-- the methods and results of theseinvestiqat ,ns The Crustal Evolution

Ed /.-rism R'roect began Nork in 1974 JnclerSr.,CS of tae. National Association of

Tearners CEEP materials nave been1.,,c"-_,Pe7.: hi teams of science educators

).-storni teachers and scientists Prior toVr.hi hne---naterials were field tested by

't ?`)(-; .--Ja_-,-ers and over 12 000 studentsC e.idi._.tiOn research is a breaking

st ?rE. i.ing through today

About CEO) Modules...,s* oo . es sonsi-s of two booklets a

-er 7- : S. l'o.'eStigatiOn Toe, o-v-tains an the information

.sra ohs - tr-e 5,,dent Investi-elationo-s cr intender.: fOr

"er 1-,e =c---",:sera the auestions rat=t-e -e St,ctent ih.estig6tioni . t-ere are ilustrations that,

v -se ;--ioner= Guide. and these arev e'ters instead of me number

sed the Stoe-it Investigation--abs rolr_?rs ancf other

assr aer S are needed and in

r

The ^,aer,ai 'vas p,I1Rared With triesur.,ortc,f Nationai Science PoundationGran" Nos SED 75-20151 SED 77-08539and SEE) 78 25104 However any opinions,ndngs conci,,sons or rsecomrrorndations

oxpr,ssed ,,ere,n are those of the authorfs)and 10 not necessarily reflect the viewsof NSF

In ordk,r to comply with U S Public. Law94-86 every school district in the U S Ausing these materials agrees to makethem available for inspection by parents Orguardians of children engaged ineducational programs or projects of theschool district

cof\yrtol 1979 by Southeast Missouri Slate University

Teachers and students alike have a uniqueooportunity through CEEP modules to share in theinf Pi:mg of these educationally important andxeiting advances CEEP modules are designed

to Prodide students with appealing firsthandinvestigative experiences with concepts which arear or close to the frontiers of scientific iruiry-mtoplate tectonics r urtne,rmore the CEEP modulesare designed to be used by teachers with little ern) brevio is nick ground in the modern theories

f sea-floor spreading continental cirilt and platetecr-,nins

khow 'hat enjov using CEPih ;o it ClasSr_)Ofh Read on and be

htenared to experience a, renewed enthusiasm fortem-, ho as ria learn more about the living earth

CEEP James

A

tr

Ja^f,t es according to me method ofrise' iJ'in Read 1-)ir thc, ri-l0(1L;:t` before-c-t.,Iihg its riass and refer to the list c4f

vt.TERIALS in the, tmoduleodi.le is Hoil,idual and self-contained in

)-ter h,, s yme are divided i-o two or moreTh4 recommended length

'ime for each 's indicated Some modulesKr-. -,N(PdCli, ,Domr-2 aspects

easic ar-et Sr_,,enCr this .S n,-,t, ,7 in the"-r-4

p

Page 4: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

'Introduction To Litlicispheric.Plate Boundaries

INTRODUCTIONIn this module the student studies the three ,

types of lithospberic plate boundaries. Studentsuse a simple spherical model to examine theplate boundaries.

The earth's lithosphere is-composed of semi-rigidplates that move in different directions Agreat deal of action takes place along boundariesbetween plates. Most earthquakes are locatedthere Figure 1 shows the relation of theseplates and the outer shells oflhe earth.

0 km \\Stroig shell \Alithosphere) \\80-160 km

Not to scale

Weak shell "(asthenosphere)

Figure 1. Diagram showing the rigid lithospheric,plates and their relationship to the outer-shells of the earth (not to scale)..

Plates move away from each other along adivergent plate boundary. As the plates move-apart, material from'the asthenosphere fills tA.gap. This creates new lithosphere., added tp' ti

each plate. The upper part of the lithosphereis the crust..,See Figurd,2.

4

Figure 2 Plates move apart from one another

A convergent plate boundary exists where twoplates move toward one another Convergingplaters that carry continents will producemountain ranges, like the Alps and HimalayaMountains, when the continents collide (Figure3a) At a convergent plate bourfdank one plateslides under another, a plate with oceaniccrust (more dense) will slide under a plate withconknental crust (less dense) See 'Flgurg3b

,Notice thaf lithoiphere-isrfeatroyed as partof a plate descends into the weak shell( asthenosphere see Figure 1).

Figure 34 cWhere two'plate4 each carrying a,continent converge, the continents willeventually collide.

f

Page 5: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

Figure 3b A plate with oceanic crust maydescend under a plate with continental crust

A third type'of plate boundary is a transformplate boundary. This occurs where two plates slidepast each other No lithosphere is formed hereand none is destroyed See Figure 4

Figure 4 Plates may move past one another '

In this activity you--will observe the relationshipbetwer plate bondaries as you rotate arigid plate on a sphere.

PREREQUISITE STUDENT BACKGROUNDThis activity is an introduction to the threetypes of plate boundaries. No backgroundknowledge about kithospheric plate boundariesis necessary and none is assumed.

OBJECTIVES misseameAfter you have completed this activity, youshould be able to1. Identify divergent, convergent, and transformplate boundaries2. Demonstrate the relationship between plateboundaries on a sphere by rotating a smallpiece of the sphere.3. Determirte where earthquakes commonlyoccur along plate boundaries.

2

.

Continental crust

Oceanic crust

Upper mantle

Mantle (asthenospherei

ilk Earthquake

Illustration Key

gospherel

1

Page 6: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

MATERIALSWorld Seismicity Map, United States GeologicalSurvey, 1200 S. Eads Street, Arlington, VA.22202at least two copie§ per class optiorial).Wall map, Pacific Ocean Floor, NationalGeographic*Society, Educational Services,Department 79,-Washington, D.C..20036at least.two copies per class (optional).

Plate boundary modelsone for each studentor team of two. Once the plate boundarymodels have been made, they can be reused forsucceeding classes.

'Materials needed for each model:1 plastic hollow ball about 5*-12 cm in diameter;as thin-walled as possible.1 metal brad, push pin, thumb tack, or paperfastener.1 celluloid or'heavy cardboard tab about 2'or 3cm wide and as long as diameter of ball.

To construct the model, cut a section out ofthe ball with a sharp knife. See Figure 5. Attachthis section to the tab with a staple or two.Tien punch a hole in the ball and attach the'otherend of the celluloid tab to the ball with the brador push pin so that the section which wascut out will fit neatly in the area of the ball fromwhich it was cut. Letter the ball as shown inFigure 5.

BACKGROUND INFORMATIONThe plate tectonic theory states that the outershell (lithosphere) of the earth is composedof about 7 major plates which move in relationto one another. These plates are assumed'to be nearly rigid horizontally.

Cut-out sectIon

Staple

Brad or paper fastener

Figure 5 Plate boundary model -

Interactions at plate boundaries explain thedistribution of many large scale geologicalfeatures and zones of activitynarrow belts of.mountains, volcanic ail d seismic activity.

SUGGESTED APPROACH-This activity is designed for students workingindividually or in pairs, depending on classsize and the number of plate bdundary models

- r available. $ group discussion of resultswould be beneficial.

REFERENCES

The major purpose of this activity is to Introducethe student to three types of plate ba uislkieet-divergent, convergent and transform.

It is often difficult to grasp spatial relationshipswhen presented in two dimensions. Iri Orderto provide concrete eAiimples of plate boundaries,this activity requires the student to move askrnulated plate on a sphere.

Particularly used are the EXTENSIONS wherestudents are asked to compare the model toreal plate boundaries on the Pacific OceanFloor map.

"Cox, A., 1973, Plate tectonics and geomagneticreversals. Sant Francisco, W.H. Freeman andCornpany,,R. 40-47.

Wyllie, P.J,, 1976, The way the earth works.New York; Johfi Wiley and Sons, Inc., p. 61-72.

6ti 3

Page 7: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

INEE111111111MINPROCEDURE-

In thl each student will comparedesc 'ptions of plate boundaries discussed inthe I TRODUCTIOil to boundaries on the crustal

late ouhdary, motlel.Key words: divergent plate, boundary, convergentplate boundary, transform plate boundary,lithosphgrZ`plates (Oates of the asthenosphere),crustTime required: one to two 45-minute periods ---\Materials' plate boundary model, WorldSeismicity Map, Pacific Ocean'Hoor map

Take the plate boundary model like the dheshown in Figure 5 and move the small platclock-wise The small plate will move in relationto the large plate (sphere) Be sure to slide thesmall plate under the large plate.

1. At which letter did the small plate shortenand slide Under the big plate9Boundary C

2. What kind of plate boundary is this9Convergent plate boundary

3. At which letter did the small plate spreadapart from the big plate9Boundary A

4. What is the name of this kind of 'plate ,. ,boundary9Divergent plate boundary

SUMMARY QUEST,' d NS. ,

1. Where do earthquake commonly occur9/Earthquakes commonly occur along plate

boundaries.

2. Explain the thlee types Of plate boundariesDivergent plate boundary plates moving apartfrom one another. This creates new crust.

o . 1

0 4'

5. At which letter does new lithosphere form9Boundary A

6. At which letter is lidiosphere destroyed?Boundary C

7. Where are the boundaries between the smalplate and the big plate where the crust is'conserved. :. that is, where lithosphenc platesare not destroyed or new material added?Etoth boundaries B and D

8. Which plate boundaries are parallel to the'direction of plate motion9Both boundaries B and D

9. If you lived in the middle of the big plate orthe small plate, would you'feel the smallplate move9No motion would be felt. It is a problem of scale.The Pacific Plate, for example, is movingnorthward (relative motion) at about 3 cm peryear and is not felt unless the motion occursin jerks, as during an earthquake. Eyenthen the motions wilt be felt nearer theepicenterof the earthquake.

1

10. If you lived on a plate boundary, would youfeel the plate move9 Why or why. not9Since earthquakes occur predominantly on plateboundaries people living nearest the plateboundaries would feel the earthquake (hencefeel platernotion).

EXTENSIONS1. Compare the plate boundary model to thePacific Ocean Floor map Locate on the mapeach of the kinds of. plate boundaries you havestudied. 'Convergent plate boundaries can Pe identifiedalong Vie margin of the Pacific Ocean (Japer'',Chile/Peru, Alaska, etc.).Divergent plate boundaries are ipcated along the\EasPacific Rise and the Sotitheast Indian

\Ocean Ridge.A transform plate boundary is located inCalifornia and is expressed as the San AndreasFault.

Convergent ,plateboundary one plate slidesLinder another. Continents on converging platesmay collide with one another. This way formmountain ranges; or, one plate may slideunder another, resulting id destruction of crust.Transform plate boundary plates sliding pastone another. No crust. is formed and none-is destror.

4

2. Compare the plate boundary model to the-Wdrld Seismicity Map. Lb most of the earth-.quakes occur along.plate boundaries9.(Hint Compare Figures 2, 3a, 3b, and 4 to themap) Are the d,epths of earthquakes differentalong differen Ignds of plate boundaries?The poVAotAii question Is to note the

.relationsNp of earthquakes to plate boundaries.Students.should note that earthquake depthincreases in the direction that the plate Isdescending under the continent (Figure 3b inthis module). Examine converging plate boundary

rChile or the tioundaries north of NewzialancPon the World Seismicity Map.

Page 8: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

NAGT Crustal Evolution .

Education Project ModulesCtEP Modules are listed here in alphabeticalorder Each Module is .estgned for use inthe number of class periods indicated Forsuggested sequences of CEEP Modules tocover specific topics and for correlationof CEEP Modules to standard earth sciencete)etbooks consult Wards descriptiveliterature on CEEP The Catalog Numbersshown here refer to the CLASS PACKof each Module consisting of a Teacher'sGuide and 30 copies of the Studentinvestigation See Ward s descriptiveitterature for alternate order quantities

V

r

to

4

11179 Except for the rghtS to-e5erse

crser a i ,he-CPrr,"SSOrl_

1- ocAtort

others treright ofeer herebyit charge to

tie U S and Cvada,se s 4",/ork and related materials

E'),vsh anguaqe the U S and('1-ada '985 c,r corrditions of use

:-_;ermvision to _,se the WorK or an/ part1,-)r hr.Ign Dohilcal;Ons OF

hl.cAt.f,,c n r,ther than the Eng ItSh ,

la-quade apPly the copyright Owner Or

CEEPteoduleClass CLASS PACK

Periods Catalog Na,

A Sea-floor Mystery: Mapping 3 34 W 1201Polarity Reversals

Continents And Ocean Basins: 3-5 34 W 1202Floaters And Sinkers

Crustal Movement: A Major Force 2-3 34 W 1203In Evolution

Deep Sea Trenches Ahd Radioactive 1 34 W 1204Waste

Drifting Continents And Magnetic 46 3 34 W 1205Fields

Drifting Contipents And Wandering 4 34 W 1206Poles

Earthquakes And Plate 2 *34 W 1207Boundaries

Fossils As Clues To Ancient 2-3 34 W 1208Continents

Hot Spots in The EaVh's Crust 3 34 W 1209How Do ContinentsAp lit Apart? 2 34 W 1210How Do Scientists Decide Which Is 2 34 W 1211

The Better Theory?How Does Heat Flow Vary In Th@ 2 34 W 1212

Ocean Floor?How Fast Is The Ocean Floor 2-3 34 W 1213

Moving?Iceland: The Case Of The Splitting 3 34 W 1214

PersonalityImaginary Continents: A Geological 2 34 W 1215

PuzzleIntroduction To Lithospheric \1-2 3* W 1216

Plate BoundariesLithospheric Plates And Ocean 2 34 W 1217

Basin TopographyLocating Active Plate Boundaries 2-3 34 W 1218

By Earthquake Data 61,

Measuring Continental Drift: The 2 34 W 1219Laser Ranging Experiment

Microf ossils, Sediments And 4 34 W 1220Sea-floor Spreading ,

Movement Of The Pacific Ocean a 2 34 W 1221Floor

Plate Bodndaries And Earthquake 2 34 W 1222Predictions '

. Plotting The Shape 'Of The Ocean 2-3 34rW 1223Floor

Quake Estate (troard game) 3 34 W 1224Spreading Sea Floors And Fractured 2 34 W 1225

RidgesT* Rise And Fall Of The Bering 2 34 W 1227

Land BridgeTropics In ftniarctica? 2 34 W 1228Volcanoes: Where And Why? 2 34 W 1229

What Happens When Cootinera4 2 34 W 1230Collide? 1

When A Piece Of A Continent 2 . 34 W 1231Breaks Off

Which Way Is North? 3 34 W 1232

Why Does Sea Level Change? 2-3 34 W 1233

111

-

Page 9: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

4

4.

a

WARD,

J

Ward's Natural Science Establishment, Inc.P.O. Box 1712, Rochester New York 1603 P.O. Box 1749, Monterey, California 93940

CUP MODULE NO. CA22 2-2MOM 0411173-030-S 9

1'

Printed In U.S.A.

Page 10: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

11,

4IBID

NAME DATE

CRYSTALEVOLUTION

EDUCATIONPROJECT

Student InvestigationCatalog No 34W1116

Introduction ToLithospheric Plate Boundaries

INTRODUCTIONThe earth s lithosphere is composed of semi-rigidplates that move in different directions. Agreat deal of action takes place along boundariesbetween plates. Most earthquakes are locatedthere' Figure 1 shows the relation of theseplates and the outer shells of the earth

Strong shell(lithosphere)

80-160 km

Weak shell(asthenosphere)

Not to scale

*Figure 1. Diagram 'showing the rigid lithosphericplates and their relationship to the outershells of the earth (not to scale).

1

Copyright 1979 by Southeast Missouri pta4 University

IL

Plates move away fro cri each other along adivergent plate boundry. As the plates moveapart, material from the asthenosphere fills thegap This creates new lithosphere, added toeach plate The upper part of the lithosphereis the crust. See Figure, 2

Sea level

Figure 2. Plates move apart from one another.

I

c

rr 7

Page 11: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

MR

1

A convergent plate boundary exists where twoplates move tow4rd one another. Convergingplates that carry continents will producemountain ranges, like the Alps and HimalayaMountains, when the continents collide (Pigure3a). At a convergent plate boundary one plateslides under another; a plate with oceaniccrustImore dense) will slide, uhder a plate withcontinental crust (less dense). See Figure 3b.Notice that lithosphere is destroyed has partsof a plate descends info the weak shell(asthenosphere7see Figure 1).

Figure 3a. Where two plates each carrying acontinent convergethe.continents willeventually collide.

A third type of plate boundary is a transformplate boundary. This occurs where two plates slidepast each other. No lithosphere is formed hereand none is destroyed See Figure 4.

In this activity you will'observe the relationshipbetween plate boundaries you rotate arigid plate on a sphere.

2

1.

c-,

I

*

Y

Continental crust

Oceanic crust

.

Upper mantle

Illustration Key

(lithosphere)

t.Mantle (asthenosphere) .

Earthquake

is

I,

Figure 3b. A plate with oceanic crust maydescend under a plate with continental crust

i Figure 4. Plates may move past one another.

r` '

11

1

Page 12: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

OBJECTIVESAfter you have completed this activity, youshould be able to:

1. Identify divergent, convergent, and transformplate boundaries.

I

PROCEDURE rez,Materials: plate boundary model, WorldSeismicity Map, Pacific Ocean Floor map.

Take the plate boundary, model like the oneshown in Figure 5 and move the small plate clock-

' wise The small plate will move in religionto the large plate (sphere). El, sure to 'slide thesmall plate under the large plate.

2. Demonstrate the relationship between. plateboundaries on a sphere by rotating a smallpiece of the sphere.3. Determihe where earthquakes commonlyoccur along plate boundaries.

1. At which letter did they small plate shortenand slide under the big plate?

2. What kind of plate bountary is this?

43. At' which letter did the small plane spread

/, apart from the big plate?

4. What is the name of this kind of plateboundary?

5: At which letter does new lithosphere form?

I6. At which letter is lithosphere destroyed?

rt

7. Where are the boundaries between the smallplate and ,the big plate where the crust isconserved...that is, where lithospheric platesare not destroyed or new material added?

8. Which plate boundaries are parallel bathedirection of plate motion?

.1...r

Brad or paper fastener

Cut-out sectIon-

Staple

Figure 5 Plate boundary

9. If you lived in the middle of the big plate orthe small plate, would you feel the small

454plate move?

A

rP;I.

10. If you lived on- a plate boundary, would youfeel the plate move? Why cr why not?

'10

1 9

4.

3

Page 13: Introduction To Lithospherk Plate Boundaries · NAGT Crustal Evolution Education Project. Edward C. Stoever, Jr., Project Director ",/eiccirhie. to Me exciting world of current research

,SUIVIMARY QUESTIONS_1.:Wt-ier,e do earthquakes commonly Occur?

' 2. Explain the three types of plate boundaries.Divergent pratebdundary

Convergent plate boundary:

Transform plate boundary:

EXTENSIONS _

1. Compare `the plate boundary model to thePacific Ocean Floor map. Locate on the mapeach of the kinds of plate boundaries you havestudie '

REFERENCESCox, A , 1973, Plate tectonics and geomagneitc

reversals. San Francisco, W.H Freeman andCompany, p 40-47

I

7111111

2. Cr> ark the plate boundary Appel to the .World Seismtcity Map Do mostW-ce earth-quakes odour along plate boundarf&S?(Hint Compare Figures 2, 3a, 3b,and 4-to themap ) Are the depths of earthquakes differentalong differeht kinds of plate boundaries?

Wyllie, P J , 1976, The way tha earth works -7

New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc , p 61-72C

/14

$

beveloped byTHE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GEOLOGY TEACHERS

The material was prepared with the suXort ofNational Science Foundation Grant Nos SED75-20151 SED 77-08539 and SED 78-25104However any opinions findings, conclusions orrecommertdations expressed herein are those of theauthor(s) and do not necessarily reflect the viewsof NSF

MARDIWard's Natural Science Establishment, Inc.

13

in order to comply with U S Public Law 94-86, everyschool distract in the U S A using these materialsagrees to make them available for inspection byparents or guardians of children engaged ineducational programs or bibjects of the school district

Copyright 1979 Except for the rights to materials.reserved by others, the publisher and the copyrightowner hereby grant permission withOut chargeto domestic persons of the U S and Canada foruse of this Work and related Materials in theEnglish language in the U S and Canada after 1985For conditions of rise and permission to use the Workortittpy part thereof for foreign publications orpublications nn other than the English languageapply to tile45ppyright owner or publisher

Rochester, NI 1040°1-1teYey,ISBN. 0-89813.031.7

Printed In IJ A


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