Skip to main content

What is the difference between a rift valley and a mid-oceanic ridge?

As tectonic plates move they sometimes move away from each other at divergent plate boundaries. The space left behind opens a large hole between the plates that is either filled with sediment, magma flowing from the mantle, or water. The major difference between different types is what type of plate the divergent boundary is between. 


If the boundary is found between two continental plates you are left with a rift valley. This leads to steep...

As tectonic plates move they sometimes move away from each other at divergent plate boundaries. The space left behind opens a large hole between the plates that is either filled with sediment, magma flowing from the mantle, or water. The major difference between different types is what type of plate the divergent boundary is between. 


If the boundary is found between two continental plates you are left with a rift valley. This leads to steep mountainsides spreading apart from a widening valley. In the center of the valley either large gaps can form or the area will fill with water from water sources or rain creating rift lakes, much like what can be found in the African Rift Valley. Many lakes have sprung up in the valleys left behind as the plates there move slowly away from each other. 


If two oceanic plates begin moving away from each other it creates a mid-oceanic ridge. Continental plates are less dense, and thus float much higher on the mantle. Magma is usually much farther away, so it's rare to find a splitting continental plate seeping magma. On the other hand, oceanic plates are thin and dense, meaning magma is much more likely to flow to the surface at one of these splits. At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between the North American plate and the Eurasian plate, the spreading boundary is constantly seeping hot magma out of the mantle below. This creates a constantly growing mountain chain. 


The main difference between these two seismic structures would be what types of plates are creating the diverging zone and what is being created at the divide: a valley that may fill with water or sediment, or a growing mountain chain as magma fills the opening gap.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more