This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer
« previous next »

Author Question: What characteristic of a slab of oceanic lithosphere leads to the formation of deep-ocean trenches ... (Read 84 times)

SO00

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 568
on: Jul 14, 2018
What characteristic of a slab of oceanic lithosphere leads to the formation of deep-ocean trenches instead of shallow trenches?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why does oceanic lithosphere subduct, while continental lithosphere does not?
 
  What will be an ideal response?


Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

yuyiding

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 357
Reply #1 on: Jul 14, 2018
Answer to Question 1

As oceanic crust is subducting beneath another tectonic plate, it is sinking deep into the mantle. Subduction of these plates occurs at various angles, depending on how cool and dense the subducting slab is. In all cases, the sinking motion as one plate drags beneath the other creates a deep and linear deep-ocean trench. The density of oceanic plates results in the formation of deep trenches as opposed to shallow trenches.

Answer to Question 2

Oceanic lithosphere is basaltic in composition, which is rich in iron and magnesium, making it dense. Continental lithosphere is granitic in composition, rich in silica, and not very dense. In the meeting of two tectonic plates, the denser one will be the one forced to sink and subduct beneath the other. Continental crust will always be the least dense in a meeting of two plates, so it will never subduct.


SO00

  • Member
  • Posts: 568
Reply 2 on: Jul 14, 2018
:D TYSM

Animal_Goddess

  • Member
  • Posts: 339
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Excellent

« previous next »
 

Did you know?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA was discovered in 1961 in the United Kingdom. It if often referred to as a superbug. MRSA infections cause more deaths in the United States every year than AIDS.

Methicilli ...
Did you know?

A strange skin disease referred to as Morgellons has occurred in the southern United States and in California. Symptoms include slowly healing sores, joint pain, persistent fatigue, and a sensation of things crawling through the skin. Another symptom is strange-looking, threadlike extrusions coming out of the skin.

Did you know?

A serious new warning has been established for pregnant women against taking ACE inhibitors during pregnancy. In the study, the risk of major birth defects in children whose mothers took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester was nearly three times higher than in children whose mothers didn't take ACE inhibitors. Physicians can prescribe alternative medications for pregnant women who have symptoms of high blood pressure.

Did you know?

All patients with hyperparathyroidism will develop osteoporosis. The parathyroid glands maintain blood calcium within the normal range. All patients with this disease will continue to lose calcium from their bones every day, and there is no way to prevent the development of osteoporosis as a result.

Did you know?

Cytomegalovirus affects nearly the same amount of newborns every year as Down syndrome.

Reversible formation of a disulfide bond by the oxidation of two molecules Reversible formation of a disulfide bond by the oxidation of two molecules
Deep hip rotator muscles. Deep hip rotator muscles.
Clear the cisterna chyli. Instruct the recipient to take in a deep diaphragmatic breath and hold it ... Clear the cisterna chyli. Instruct the recipient to take in a deep diaphragmatic breath and hold it ...
Ocean cover most of Earth’s surface Ocean cover most of Earth’s surface
Variations in Ocean Water Temperature With Depth Variations in Ocean Water Temperature With Depth
Formation of Blood Cells Formation of Blood Cells
Video: Fermentation - When Oxygen Is Absent, Pyruvate to Lactate & Pyruvate to Ethanol

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library