Once we have a general idea about the 4 major types of plate boundaries, we want to elaborate and go deeper into the intricacies of plate tectonics. In particular, we also want to focus on the creation of mountain ranges - which is called Orogenesis.
What happens at Plate Boundaries?
We want to focus on three key processes -
- Faulting - cracking, breaking and deformation of the earth's surface
- Result = creation of mountain ranges, valleys, earthquakes and other features
- Folding - process that occurs through the collision of plates, or isostatic rebound
- Result = folded rock layers, and often mountain ranges like Himalayas
- Volcanism - cooling of magma/lava into new land, explosions, and other volcanic activity like geysers,
- Result - Creation of features like travertine terraces, volcanic chains like Hawaii, or Cascades mountain ranges
We also want to focus on what happens at Hot Spots - places away from plate boundaries, where volcanic activity is happening.
In class we discussed the various aspects of folding and faulting, and familiarized ourselves with some key mountain ranges and landforms around the world. We also practiced locating the different plate boundaries on a world map.
VIDEO REVIEW:
How are mountains formed? Harvard Natural History Museum
Why is Everest so Tall? TED-ED
and for fun - What would it be like to go into the Marianas Trench?
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