Abstract The writer of this paper details the exploration of the ocean floor which began in the 1940s and aided scientists in developing the theory of platetectonics. This paper explores how the work of researchers like Albert Wegener and James Hutton and the study of platetectonics helped predict with some degree of accuracy where and when an earthquake will strike as well as predict which of the world's active volcanoes will erupt, saving countless lives.
Topics covered in this report include:
The Theory of Continental Drift
This Dynamic Earth-Developing the Theory
PlateTectonics Works Cited
From the Paper "Abraham Ortelius, a Dutch mapmaker, first suggested the possibility that the earth's landmasses were not fixed in 1520. He suggested that the Americas were once attached to Africa and Europe. They were then ripped apart by earthquakes and floods, creating three continents. It wasn't until the early part of this century, when a German meteorologist named Alfred L. Wegener became intrigued by this concept and the ideas set forth by other scientists that land bridges had been connected the continents at one time, but had then sunk into the ocean."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the tectonicplates effecting seismic activity in the state of California. The paper focuses on the Pacific plate and the North American plate, two adjacent plates moving in opposite directions, which form the San Andreas fault in California. The paper points out that platetectonics play a major role in the various geological processes found in California, especially in relation to earthquakes and the San Andreas fault. The paper concludes that this platetectonic activity has brought about much beauty and splendor, while also making the state a very dangerous and unpredictable place to live.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Geology of PlateTectonics The San Andreas Fault
Tectonic Activity in California
The Loma Prieta Earthquake
Conclusion
From the Paper "One important part of the San Andreas fault is known as the Coachella Valley Segment and in June of 1992, the Landers earthquake, measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale, alerted geologists to the potential of a large-magnitude quake somewhere in the Los Angeles area. The Landers quake place much scientific focus on the clustering of quakes and tectonic activity close to the Coachella Valley segment of the fault. Thus, many geophysicists have been increasingly concerned with the high number of quakes and amount of tectonic movement occurring so close together on the northern end of the segment. In 1985, several geological investigators determined that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake along or on the Coachella segment could possibly trigger the so-called "Big One," yet if such a scenario occurred on the next segment north and west of the Coachella segment, the heavily-populated city of San Bernardino could experience massive destruction. In addition, a rupture of this segment could conceivably continue in line past Los Angeles and produce a quake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale (Nance, 1988, p. 174)."
Tags: fault earthquake geology America, Ring of Fire San Andreas
Abstract This paper offers a general definition of platetectonics and a simple explanation for this process. The paper defines three specific types of platetectonic environments, provides examples of "seismic gaps"
and discusses the types of mountains that are formed as a result of platetectonics. The paper concludes that the impact of platetectonics on the geography of the earth can be seen almost everywhere one looks, whether in the United States, South America (the Andes Mountains), Europe (Mt. Vesuvius in Italy) or Asia (Mt. Fujiyama in Japan).
From the Paper "As a general definition, plate tectonics is based on a theory that the lithosphere of the earth is divided into a small number of plates which float on and travel independently over the mantle and that much of the earth's seismic activity, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, occur at the boundaries of these plates. A simple explanation for this process would be to compare plate tectonics to the surface of a ball with individual areas that slide and/or grind against each other, thus creating seismic activity deep below the mantle of the earth. This activity, usually in the form of earthquakes, can be measured by geologist through the use of a seismograph which measures the intensity of a quake based on the Richter Scale from 1 to 10 magnitude."
Abstract This paper explains that platetectonics is one of the most important discoveries in science and geology because it explains why the continents share many similarities, which could not be explained if they had always existed apart and it explains why, even today, the surface of the earth is constantly shifting, rearranging and moving. The author points out that an important discovery, which ultimately led scientists to believe the theory of platetectonics was correct, was the discovery of seafloor spreading. The paper relates that platetectonics and the continual shifting it produces can create many changes in the surface of the earth from weather to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
From the Paper "Several theories of geologic process and scientific discovery helped lead to the discovery of plate tectonics in the 1920s, and the theory was generally accepted by the 1950s. The plate tectonic theory evolved from earlier theories, beginning with continental drift. The first time continental drift was mentioned was in 1908, by an American named Frank Bursey Taylor. However, the theory really did not gain acceptance until 1912 when German meteorologist and geophysicist Alfred Wegener detailed the theory and gave it more basis in fact. The continental drift theory believes that between 275 and 175 million years ago, all the continents were joined together in one land mass. Later, this massive continent broke apart into two gigantic landmasses in the north and south, those continents further divided about 100 million years ago into more currently recognizable shapes, and they began to drift apart during this time, too."
Abstract This paper help explains how PlateTectonics has caused changes in continental landmasses through geological occurrences. It presents the main controversy in the Platetectonic theory - whether the movement of the plates has displaced landmass across the continents or not and whether it is the sole reason for the change of the landmass or it is through atmospheric influence.
From the Paper "Thousands of years ago the earth's surface has been hypothesized as one big landmass. The Earth's surface has been constant motion. ?Fragmented into giant sheets of solid rock that glide atop a layer of hotter, more pliable material, the globe's appearance is forever changing.? [Cowen, 1999] . These plates are semi rigid, floated on flow of mantle. The plates measured around 50 miles, thickness of 25 miles on land and 4 miles thick under the oceans. Their movement was categorized by an average of a few inches a year. Even today, geologists and tectonicists hypothesize the earth to continue this movement in similar slow manner, even if we do not notice it. The plates? movement is called the Plate Tectonic Theory, a theory presented in 1912 but upheld in 1960 . "
Abstract This paper describes the continental drift and platetectonic theories and traces their history, discusses the key players who were involved in developing the theories and examines the current state of scientific knowledge about Earth's geology and paleontology.
From the Paper "The idea that the earth's continents have drifted has a long history. As long ago as 1596 the Dutch map maker Abraham Ortelius in his work Thesaurus Geographicus Ortelius suggested that the Americas were "torn away from Europe and Africa . . . by earthquakes and floods." He had been the first (and certainly not the last) to notice the apparent "jig-saw" fit of the bulge of eastern South America into the bight of Africa. (Kious and Tilling, 1999) In around 1850 A.D., a French scientist Antonio Snider-Pellegrini, while researching the similarity of the fossil plants and coal deposits in North American and European and concluded that the phenomenon could only be explained if the two continents had once been connected. In 1908 Frank B. Taylor of the United States invoked the notion of continental collision to explain the formation of some of the world's mountain ranges."
An examination of the Gaia theory which maintains that soon after the formation of life, organisms began to change the environment, as well as adapt to this environment.
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 42.95
Abstract Gaia and the platetectonics; is the Earth alive?
This paper examines the Gaia theory that has emerged concerning the earth, its formation, and the living and non living creatures that adorn it. The paper also examines platetectonics, living organisms, formation of water, etc.
Tags: earthquakes, plate, tectonics, earth, gaia, water
Abstract This paper studies how platetectonics and fault line movement are impacting the shape of the California coastline. The paper begins with a discussion of how platetectonics have changed the earth's surface, including through earthquakes. Then the paper turns to one of the most famous major fault lines, the San Andreas fault. The paper examines its historical, current and future influence on California, such as the major earthquakes of the 1800s and 1900s. The paper concludes with a discussion of other fault lines, including active and inactive ones.
From the Paper "Plate tectonics is responsible for the building of mountain ranges, the separation of continents through creation of new crust when the seafloor spreads as new lithospheric material pushes out of rifts on the ocean floor, and for earthquakes and volcanic activity (including the creation of volcanic islands and mountain ranges). The regions where the action of plate tectonics is most discernible is where adjoining tectonic plates are most active: pressing into each other, sliding over or under each other, sliding past each other. This activity usually takes place at a geologic pace--that is, so slowly that it escapes the notice of short-lived creatures such as human beings. Humans are unlikely to see mountain ranges forming or continents drifting apart. When two great tectonic plates, such as the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, move relative to each other along the Pacific coast at an average rate of 2 inches a year, who would notice? But the these gigantic plates do not move only by drifting or creeping at such an imperceptible pace. As they mash into each other, portions of their adjoining edges get hung up or frozen in place for years at a time, even for centuries or thousands of years. The pressure on these junctures finally gives way as much larger movements which humans perceive (can hardly ignore!) as earthquakes."
Tags: san, andreas, bay, area, los, angeles, earthquake, pacific, ocean
Abstract The spreading of the seafloor under the Red Sea offers researchers a chance to study several important areas of science and apply what is learned to a better understanding of earth, earth's history, and perhaps other planets in the Solar System such as Mars. This paper reviews and examines existing science related to the tectonicplates (African and Arabian plates) beneath the Red Sea, the explanation for their movement apart and the dynamics of the hydrothermal activities that are part of the plate spreading itself. The Red Sea is of particular interest to scientists and this paper provides thorough reviews of the research conducted to date and examines why that research is of great value to science and to an understanding of how the Earth was formed. This paper includes figures and pictures.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Red Sea Geologic Evolution
Spreading Seafloor Dynamics Beneath the Oceans and Seas
Red Sea Rupturing: Recent Research
Red Sea Hydrothermal Processes: Link to Life and Link to Mars
Recent Red Sea Science: Discussion
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "The Red Sea has become a geologic destination of preference for many scientists who are interested in plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, hydrothermal dynamics, the creation of minerals are ores from undersea activities, and more. As research continues using the latest technologies, students and other interested individuals will become informed and enlightened about the Red Sea and the implications for other undersea areas. It is vital for the health and well-being of the citizens on the planet for scientists and scholars to learn as much as possible about how the earth was formed and what it is doing at this stage in its evolution. The Red Sea is unlocking some of those mysteries, and will continue to reveal answers about the sea and the changing planet as time moves forward."
Abstract This paper discusses how science has developed many theories of how the earth works to explain natural disasters and why they are a continuous part of human life. According to this paper, one such theory concerns the continental drift and platetectonics that was explored to explain why certain natural formations upon the earth and in the seas are consistently changing.
From the Paper "Redfern attempts, through his writing, to explain a concept of science that has been beneficial to humankind by exploring natural change sin the earth. Redfern contends that the concept behind the continental drift is that the earth is formed in large plates, which are massive sections beneath the surface. Redfern states that Continental crust is very different from the crust that floors the oceans. Ocean crust is predominantly magnesium silicate, whereas the continents contain higher proportions of aluminum silicates. They also contain less iron than the denser material of the mantle or of the ocean floor. "
Abstract The paper looks at the points in the globe that are most surrounded by water and land. The paper compares the land and water areas in the northern and southern hemisphere and discusses flying and sailing between the two most distant points. The paper discusses convergent plate boundaries and the correlation between ocean depths and platetectonic processes. The paper examines major ocean surface current patterns, swells, breaking surf, tsunamis and tides. The paper also looks at depositional coasts versus erosional coasts.
Outline:
Identifying the Current Location
The Point Most Surrounded by Water
The Point Most Surrounded by Land
Comparison Between the Land and Water Areas in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Flying Between the Two Most Distant Points
Sailing Between the Two Most Distant Points
Convergent Plate Boundaries
The Correlation Between Ocean Depths and PlateTectonic Processes
Major Ocean Surface Current Patterns
Swells, Breaking surf, Tsunami
How do Tides in a Bay Depend on its Location in the Ocean?
Depositional Coasts versus Erosional Coasts
Marine Organisms in Pelagic and Benthic zones
From the Paper "New York belongs to the state bearing the same name and is situated on the north-eastern coast of the U.S.A, at the point where the Hudson River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city's geographical coordinates are latitude 40047'N and longitude 73058' W. The city is renown for its cultural aura, but also for its financial, business, and trading organizations which play a major role to the national and world economy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City)."
Abstract Since the colonial era Victoria has been the capital of British Columbia. It is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island. This paper outlines the physical geography of this region including its physical geography, geomorphology, soils, climate and vegetation. Additionally, the role of tectonic activity in the area is also explored.
Outline
Introduction
Physical Geography and Geomorphology
PlateTectonics Climate and Vegetation
Conclusions
From the Paper "Plate tectonics are the single most important geological force operating on the Victoria Region. This assertion is true for four distinct reasons. In the popularly understood conception of plate tectonics Victoria is on the edge of a plate being relatively violently subducted. Second, as a consequence of this it exhibits the most frequent earthquake activity in Canada. Third, and also a consequence of plate tectonics, it is subjected to cycles of extremely violent earthquake activity every few centuries (a blink of the eye in geological terms). Fourth and less commonly, micro-plate activity and the creation of terranes has significantly impacted on the physical geography of the Victoria region."
Abstract This paper looks at the life and work of Karl Gauss. It examines his theory on PlateTectonics, the theory of Motion of Heavenly Bodies and several other theories that were developed during his lifetime. The writer first briefly gives a bio of Gauss and then attempts to explain the theories in laymen's terms.
From the Paper "There are many well known mathematicians from history whose work is well known and position widely recognised. However, there are also many lesser known mathematicians that have also made equally valuable contributions. Karl Friedrich Gauss is one of these, and as such is a worthwhile individual to study. Gauss developed many ideas and theories which are still in use today. He is best known for his theory of plate tectonics and his work entitled "Theoria Motus Corporum Coelestium" ; Theory of the Motion of Heavenly Bodies in 1809. With Wilhelm E. Weber; a physicist he also developed a theory concerning geomagnetism. Much of his work is still used today, including work in the fields of physics, astronomy, and his statistical theories are even used in software algorithms. In this we see man who has made large contributions to the world of mathematics and related disciplines (Schaaf, 1964)."
Abstract In this article, the writer offers a comparison of how South African, American, and Czech sources portray national history, art history, world history and personal history. The writer examines a selection of texts to identify to what extent each amplifies linkages between world history, natural history, art history and personal history.
From the Paper "History as a record of events and dates can be a dull affair because it does not necessarily capture the dynamics of personal or even state actions as they were experienced by the people involved. Yet people are what make history and what made up the culture or cultures in which events and actions unfolded. Professional historians, if they are skilled enough, can make an account of an era or a significant set of events lively, but the life's blood of a culture a people a person or ... "
Tags: Personal, history, national, history, world, history, art, history
This paper analyzes the philosophy of renowned historian G.W. Hegel, who is believed to have created the philosophy of history, based on his life experiences and beliefs.
Abstract The writer of this paper presents an intensive examination of G.W. Hegel's philosophy of history. This paper compares and contrasts Hegel's beliefs and theories to those of Karl Marx. This paper discusses the speculation that renowned historian and philosopher Hegel created the philosophy of history based on his own life experiences and personal beliefs. The writer explores the argument that says history and philosophy are two entirely different entities, of which Hegel was deeply involved in both. This paper also touches on the experts who believe that Hegel was a believer in the theory of predestination. According to this school of thought, Hegel believed history to be an already fixed and unchangeable fact, that mankind only watches as a spectator. The writer contends and explains why Hegel's life and work is founded on the belief that history is nothing more than a dialectical progression. This paper also details Hegel's basic philosophy which is steeped in the belief that spirit and reason are fundamentally crucial to the development of history. Hegel believed that history is nothing more than spirit striving to find its own freedom.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Who He Was
His Philosophy
His Life
His Impact
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "GW Hegel took on a most difficult task when he decided to spend his life philosophizing about history and mankind. As a philosopher of history Hegel had to walk a line between rewriting history to fit his philosophical beliefs and changing those beliefs to fit what was actually happening in history. It was a line he walked well though critics have pointed out what they believed to be discrepancies. His life work was based on trying to find the basic truths about history and mankind while at the same time examining the sub-topics that went along with those things by natural progression."
