M6D1: Rejection of Continental Drift Theory How did society view Alfred Wegener’s continental drift theory? Explain the differences between these points-of-view. Your initial post should be at least 2
Module 6: Module Notes: Earth's Lithosphere
We begin this module by studying the characteristics, development and distribution of soils around the world. It begins by describing soil-forming factors, soil components, soil properties, soil chemistry and soil profiles. The section on pedogenic regimes relates the formation and characteristics of soil to differences in the environment, especially differences in climate. The part of the module concludes with a description of soil classification and the distribution pattern of major soil types around the world.
As you begin your study of soils, focus on how the various processes of soil formation influence the characteristics of soil. The pattern of soil distribution is complex, but by noting the close relationship between climate and many soil types, this pattern is more comprehensible. The next section of the module provides a general introduction to this topic by discussing the overall structure of the Earth, the basic types of rocks, the key concepts of geological time and Uniformitarianism and the various scales of landform analysis.
Several sections of the latter part of this module deserve special attention. The general introduction to the structure of the Earth is important because terms and concepts first presented here will be utilized when we discuss plate tectonics in. Similarly, references to various types of rocks are also found in subsequent chapters. One of the most important concepts to consider here is "Geological Time. " Unless we can expand our perspective of time to include periods of millions of years, the processes described in the remainder of the modules will have little meaning.
This Module includes a wide range of important concepts in geomorphology. It covers the theory of plate tectonics and the broadest-scale movements of the surface of the Earth. The second major section focuses on volcanism, including both the consequences of volcanic activity, as well as the movement of magma beneath the surface. The final section looks at diastrophism, the deformation of the Earth's crust through folding and faulting.
After studying the section on plate tectonics, you should be familiar with the kinds of major topographic features and tectonic activity associated with the three different types of plate boundaries, as well as the modifications to the basic plate tectonic model, such as terranes and mantle plumes. Also, pay attention to the historical development of this theory and the lines of evidence that have helped verify it. The sections on volcanism and diastrophism focus mainly on the development of landforms. However, note the general relationship of these different kinds of processes to plate tectonics and plate boundaries.
Demonstration Playlist:
Chapter 14: Volcano Types [video file, 1 minute 43 seconds]
Chapter 14: Understanding Tuttle and Bowen's Data [video file, 1 minute 16 seconds]
Chapter 14: Motion at Transform Boundaries [video file, 28 seconds]
Chapter 14: Terrane Formation [video file, 2 minutes 1 second]
Chapter 14: Tectonic Settings and Volcanic Activity [video file, 2 minutes 21 seconds]
Chapter 14: Seismic Wave Motion [video file, 1 minute 19 seconds]
Chapter 14: Earthquake Waves [video file, 24 seconds]
Chapter 14: Motion at Plate Boundaries [video file, 1 minute 12 seconds]
Chapter 14: Plate Motions Through Time [video file, 49 seconds]
Chapter 14: Debris Avalanche and Eruption of Mount St. Helens, Washington [video file, 17 seconds]
Chapter 14: Hot Spot Volcano Tracks [video file, 43 seconds]
Chapter 14: Folding [video file, 26 seconds]
Chapter 14: Fault Motion [video file, 1 minute 31 seconds]
Chapter 14: Forming a Divergent Boundary [video file, 22 seconds]
Chapter 14: Formation of Crater Lake [video file, 32 seconds]
Chapter 14: Convergent Margins: India-Asia Collision [video file, 24 seconds]
Chapter 14: How Calderas Form [video file, 18 seconds]
Chapter 15: Physical Weathering [video file, 1 minute 15 seconds]
Chapter 15: Mass Movements [video file, 59 seconds]
