Activity 4 - Effects of Plate Tectonics

Use the resources listed below to help you complete this activity.

State-Based Resources
General Resources

State-Based Resources: Preparing for the Chapter Challenge

In this activity you have learned that plate tectonics has an influence on every part of the world. Surface features and movements caused by plate tectonics are not only at plate boundaries, but also at locations far from modern plate boundaries. Write a paragraph, based on what you now know of movements or features in Maine that indicate plate tectonic activity (whether it is nearby or far away)

There are currently no resources listed for this state.

State-Based Resources: Inquiring Further

Distant mountain ranges and plateaus created by plate tectonics can affect air flow in many ways, affecting local climate and thus vegetation, soil, wildlife, and drainage patterns. Research and report on how Maine has been affected directly or indirectly by plate tectonics.

There are currently no resources listed for this state.

General information related to this activity:

Oceanic Trenches

"Basic Geology of the Mariana Islands" - Volcano World
The subduction of the Philippine plate below the Pacific plate has formed the deepest oceanic trench in the world, the Mariana trench. Read about the geology of this area at this web site. Also has links to the volcanoes which form at this subduction zone.

Volcanoes at Plate Boundaries

Volcanoes formed at subduction zones (convergent plate boundaries) are called composite cone volcanoes. To learn about two very famous composite cones, click on the links below:

• Mount St. Helen's
• Mount Pinatubo

"Cascade Range Volcanoes and Volcanics" - USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory
The Cascade Range in the Western United States represents an example of active subduction volcanism. This site provides an in-depth review of the geologic history of the Cascade volcanoes.

Hot Spots

USGS - "Hot spots:" Mantle Thermal Plumes
Learn more about the geology of the Hawaiian islands as well as other other hotshots around the world.

USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory
Read about the Hawaiian Volcanoes and how they formed. It also includes links to other pages about specific volcanoes on the islands of Hawaii and Maui.

Volcano World - Hot Spots and Mantle Plumes
View a slide show with color photos and descriptions about the theory of "hotshots." Site also includes a list of sample lesson plans, key concepts, references, and activities about hot spots and the Hawaiian islands.

Mountains at Plate Boundaries

Mount Kilimanjaro
Learn more about Africa's tallest mountain in the East African rift valley, formed when two plates move apart.

Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics

"Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics" - USGS National Earthquake Information Center
Explains the distribution of earthquakes around the globe. Includes a review of plate tectonic theory and the four types of seismic zones. Also includes examples of each type of seismic zone.

"Plate Tectonics, the Cause of Earthquakes" - University of Nevada Seismology Lab
This site contains many excellent images, including technical illustrations, satellite images, and maps, that illustrate the link between plate tectonics and earthquakes.

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Last updated: May 11, 2010

This project is supported, in part, by the National Science Foundation and the AGI Foundation. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Foundation.