Plate Tectonics

phy_205l_plate_tectonics_simulationquestions.docx

Plate Tectonics Simulation

Crust Tab

a. What is the cause of the difference in temperature between the two types of crust in the images to the right?

b. List all the ways you can change oceanic crust into continental crust using the sliders.

c. Zoom all the way out like this: Then make your View box look like this:

Name of Layer	How does this layer’s density compare to the picture?	Why?
	· Greater Than · Less Than · Equal To
	· Greater Than · Less Than · Equal To
	· Greater Than · Less Than · Equal To

Now switch to the “Plate Motion” tab. Always view “Both,” “Show Labels,” and “Show Seawater” (when possible).

Click on “Manual Mode.” Complete the table below using only Manual Mode.

*Note: To see the same action happen again, click “Rewind.” To change the plates completely, click “New Crust.”

Example 1: Drag one oceanic crust (either young or old) and one continental crust onto the screen. Drag the plate in the direction of the green arrow.
Describe the results:
Type of Boundary? · Convergent · Divergent · Transform	What is the effect/outcome of this plate movement?
Follow-Up Question: What causes the oceanic crust to subduct, or go under the continental crust?
Example 2: Drag two old oceanic crusts onto the screen. Drag the plate in the direction of the red arrow.
Describe the results:
Type of Boundary? · Convergent · Divergent · Transform	What is the effect/outcome of this plate movement?
Follow-Up Question: Where does the “new crust” come from? Where does the “old crust” go?
Example 3: Drag an oceanic (either young or old) crust and continental crust onto the screen. Drag the plate in the direction of the green arrow.
Describe the results:
Type of Boundary? · Convergent · Divergent · Transform	What is the effect/outcome of this plate movement?
Follow-Up Question: Why do you think you are not able to make a divergent oceanic/continental boundary?

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