Plate Tectonics Paper

1876 words 8 pages
Show More
Running Head: Plate Tectonics Paper

Plate Tectonics Paper
University of Phoenix

Plate Tectonics Paper Earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains and the Earth’s crust are unique yet have one common denominator; the amazing topic of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics has a place or specifically places a role in each of these natural wonders of the world. In the following, Team C will discuss the theory of plate tectonics and how the theory shaped the form and composition of the movement within the Midwest region of the United States. A discussion of various geological events and the types of rocks that formed because of these events will also be covered including the importance of the economic value of these rocks to the Midwest region …show more content…

The rifting ceases and then the ocean advances over the area. The sand, clay and gravel are not deposited deep or long enough to become rock (Wikipedia, 2010).
Barite, calcite, carnotite, dolomite, feldspar, galena, geodes, hematite, limonite, marcasite, metatorbernite, mica, pyrite, quartz, gold, silver, gypsum and sphalerite are some of the other types of rocks found in the Midwest (Dreyer, 2004).
Relationship between characteristics of rocks and geological event
The igneous rock forms as magma cools and crystallizes. Magma consists mainly of silicon and oxygen, and to a lesser extent, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, and potassium (Tarbuck & Lutgens, 2006, p. 54). The magma moving along the fault cooled before reaching the surface, and crystallized at depth.
Sedimentary rocks are formed as layers of sediment accumulate and the weight of each layer compresses the deeper layers. Cementation is another means of forming sedimentary rock. Cementing materials are carried by water that seeps through the pore spaces between particles, and eventually join the particles by filling the open spaces. The limestone found in the area originates from sediment of soluble material produced by chemical weathering. Limestone’s main ingredient is the mineral calcite and forms “[…] when chemical changes or high water temperatures increase the concentration of calcium carbonate to the point that it precipitates” (Tarbuck & Lutgens, 2006, p. 64).
Importance and economic value

Related

  • Newcastle Earthquake
    5553 words | 23 pages

    situated on the Indian-Australian plate; this plate is moving north and colliding with the Eurasian, Philippine and Pacific plates. This movement and pressure is what causes Australia’s earthquakes. Tectonic plates can interact in three different ways. Where plates move apart, they are named Divergent plate boundaries. This movement allows magma to come to the surface, cool and fill the space formed by the movement. The second type of plate movement is where plates are forced directly towards one….

    Show More
  • Intro to Geography
    1771 words | 8 pages

    Introduction to Geography Research paper week 7 I learned more than I anticipated while studying the Introduction to Geography. There are Four Geographic Traditions; Earth Science Tradition, Culture-Environment Tradition, Location Tradition and Area Analysis Tradition. The Earth Science Tradition covers physical geography such as landforms, natural resources, weather and climate. I found the text on natural resources to be very helpful, informative and important for our current economy. The Culture-Environment….

    Show More
  • Monitoring Our Home Planet
    1407 words | 6 pages

    Monitoring Our Home Planet Michael Davis Argosy University Abstract This paper is being submitted in details the effect that natural disaster has on the planet Earth. Analyzing the impact of potential natural disasters on: geography, resources, politics, economics, and disaster preparedness and how to monitor the future natural disasters. Monitoring Our Home Planet Natural Disaster has a major impact on the inhabitants that live on the planet Earth. A natural disaster is a major….

    Show More
  • Geology of Yellowstone
    2770 words | 12 pages

    Introduction It is believed that Native Americans inhabited the lands of what is now Yellowstone National Park for more than 11,000 years, until approximately 200 years ago, when European settlers began to drive many of them from their homelands. In 1872 Yellowstone was declared the world’s first national park as a way to preserve and protect the land for the “benefit and enjoyment of future generations.” (National Park Service) Yellowstone National Park covers a vast area in the Northwestern….

    Show More
  • Research Paper on Climate Change: the Myth of Global Warming
    4023 words | 17 pages

    Research Paper on Climate Change: The Myth of Global Warming DEDICATION This Research Paper is lovingly dedicated to our respective parents who have been our constant source of inspiration. They have given us the drive and discipline to tackle any task with enthusiasm and determination. Without their love and support this project would not have been made possible. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following group and individuals to the development….

    Show More

Popular Essays