Constructive (O - O) Flashcards
1
Q
1 (movement)
A
- Convectional drag causes Eurasian and NA plates to diverge
2
Q
2 (pressure)
A
- Pressure on underlying asthenosphere decreases
- creates a low pressure zone
- Lowers melting point so that upper mantle rock partially melts to form basaltic magma
- Known as decompression melting due to reduction in pressure
3
Q
3 (magma)
A
- results in molten low-density magma rising
- exploits cracks and fissures in rocks
- magma cools and spreads sideways
- Results in prominent ridges on ocean floor
4
Q
4 (ridges)
A
- Ridges characterised by a rift valley and transform faults
- associated with vulcanicity either underwater or on land
- e.g. as Iceland
5
Q
5 (new land)
A
- as plates spread, new land forms by rising lava filling the gaps
- known as sea floor spreading