James Hutton theorized that subterranean heat, as evidenced by the existence of
ID: 296449 • Letter: J
Question
James Hutton theorized that subterranean heat, as evidenced by the existence of hot springs and volcanoes, would cause the chemical reactions that created formations of basalt, granite, and mineral veins. He also proposed that internal heat causes the crust to warm and expand, resulting in the uplift that form mountains. The same process would causes rock layers to tilt, fold and deform, as shown by the angular unconformity he saw at Siccar Point in Scotland.
How does Hutton's 18th Century "heat engine" model of the Earth relate to the modern plate tectonic model?
Explanation / Answer
plate tectonic model explain the large scale motion of lithospheric plates over the asthenosphere, which is driven by the convectional currents. these currents are formed by the convection motion occurs inside the mantle material, a they rises and drag the upper plates in the direction of convection motion. when the plates subduct beneath the other, subducting plates melt with in the mantle and density decreases so they start to rise, and form volcanic chain on the over riding plates. from all these phenomenoen we can conclude that the driving force of all these activities are from the heat sources.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.