GL 107 Earth Systems Science

K. Hannula

Discussion questions for 10/3/07

1.  Define the following terms:

• sea floor spreading

• mid-ocean ridge

• subduction zone

• trench

• volcanic arc

2.  Give an example of at least one place on earth where you can find:

• a divergent plate boundary

• an ocean-continent convergent boundary

• an ocean-ocean convergent boundary

• a continent-continent convergent boundary

• a transform boundary

3.  How does the process of sea-floor spreading explain the topography of ocean floors?  Why are slow-spreading ridges and fast-spreading ridges different?

4.  Describe the events that occur when a continent rifts apart.