Exam 2: Plate Tectonics: A Unifying Theory

Early paleomagnetic data gathered in Europe showed the paleomagnetic north pole apparently wandered with respect to Europe through time. What are three ways in which this data could be interpreted?

For what kinds of geologic activity is the Ring of Fire known?

What two types of orogens does the supercontinent cycle hypothesis appear to explain?

What does the symmetrical pattern of magnetic polarities about spreading ridges in oceanic crust basalts indicate?

The first rock type similarities between Gondwana continents to be discovered were

What are the lines of evidence which were cited for continental drift?

How can the coastline fit be greatly improved, as demonstrated by Sir Edward Bullard, in 1965?

Two models have been proposed to explain the basic process of tectonic plate motion. What is the driving mechanism which is involved in both models?

Which ocean does the Ring of Fire encircle?

___________flora was the name given to the group of plant fossils which was considered as evidence for the supercontinent Gondwana.

What was one of the first mechanisms proposed to explain how continental movement could have occurred?

The sea-floor spreading hypothesis was given important support with the interpretation of magnetic polarity striping by what three geologists?

How has deep-sea drilling confirmed sea-floor spreading?

How do geologists locate the boundaries of the plates?

___________ ___________ first suggested in 1885 that South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica had once been a single landmass, and he gave the nameto this proposed supercontinent.

What was the early geological explanation of fossil and rock similarities between Gondwana continents?

Name a freshwater or land-dwelling reptile which was considered important fossil evidence linking the Gondwanan continents.

What is another name for a divergent plate boundary?

Seeds from Glossopteris could have been distributed between continents by wind.

If you were interested in prospecting for mineral resources, a plate tectonic map is a good place to begin your exploration.