Question

How did the lab activities help you answer the lesson question: What effect does plate movement have on geologic events and structures at Earth’s surface? What did you learn from conducting this lab?

Answer 1

The forces that are causing the plate movements are the ones that are responsible for all the geologic events on Earth, as well as being the main constructive force when it comes to Earth's surface structures. Because of the constant movement of the plates, there is constant adjustment in the crust, lot of pressure (vertical and horizontal), magma is pushing through towards the surface, and all of that managed to reshape the relief. Some things may need millions of years, while others can happen in an instant, but whichever way it is, the end result is the formation of new structures on the surface of our planet, such hills, mountains, valleys, volcanoes, rifts etc.

Answer 2

Answer:

In the lab, I conducted three experiments. In each experiment, energy in the form of heat was transferred in a different way. Energy can be transferred through a material like aluminum foil through conduction. In water, energy is transferred through convection. Energy can travel from the light bulb to the paper through radiation. I learned that conduction can move energy between Earth’s materials, convection can transfer heat through Earth’s waters, and radiation can transfer heat from the Sun to Earth.

Answer 3

Sample Response: In the lab, I observed how convection moves Earth’s plates. I also saw how plates interact with each other. When plates move apart from each other at divergent boundaries, magma from the mantle reaches Earth’s surface and new crust forms. When plates move toward each other at convergent boundaries, volcanoes, mountains, and trenches form. When the plates rub against each other at transform boundaries, earthquakes may occur. Plate movements may change the shape of Earth’s surface and cause geologic events such as earthquakes.