Copy of Plate Tectonics

Plate Tectonics Simulator!

Class Directions: *Go to the following website and click on “Run Now” http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/plate-tectonics *On the bottom right-hand corner of the simulator click on “Both and “Show Labels”.

Part A: Oceanic vs. Continental Crust Breakout Group 1

1. Observe the Oceanic Crust on your left and the continental crust on your right. Which type of crust is thicker? ________________________.

1. You can change the crust in the middle of the simulator by adjusting the temperature, composition and thickness. Adjust each of the variables ONE AT A TIME by sliding the dials. Describe what happens to the plate when you adjust each variable. Less More Variable Temperature Continental crust Continental crust rises sinks slightly slightly Composition It sinks alot - It rises quite a bit - beneath sea level above the continental Thickness Sinks beneath sea crust beside it level Rise above sea level to continental crust

3. Use the tools in the Toolbox to answer the following questions: a) Which type of crust has a higher temperature? ______________________ b) Which type of crust has a higher composition of silica? ______________________ c) Which type of crust has a higher composition of iron? ______________________ d) Which type of crust is thicker? ______________________ e) Which type of crust has a lower temperature? ____________________

Part B: Plate Motion Breakout Group 2

6. At the top of the simulator, click on the Plate Motion tab. At the top click on “Manual Mode”. At the bottom, click on “Both” and “Show labels” and “Show Seawater” WHENEVER possible!

Fill in the Data Table following the directions from the previous slide. Two types of Type of boundary Describe what Land features Time plates happens! formed? Elapsed Continental vs. Plates move past each Rift valley Continental together horizontally Continental vs. Transfor Continental m Plate move away from each other Divergen t Continental vs. Plates move towards Mountains Continental each other Converg ent

Part B: Plate Motion Breakout Group 3



Fill in the Data Table following the directions from the previous slide. Two types of plates Type of boundary Describe what happens! Time Elapsed Continental vs. Oceanic Convergent Subduction - oceanic plate pushes under continental crust Forms a trench

Change the crust icons to match the plates in the first column of the table below. Drag the knob and record your results in the table Two types of plates Type of boundary Describe what happens! Time Elapsed Old Oceanic vs. Convergent Young Oceanic Divergent Transform Old Oceanic vs. Old Oceanic Convergent Divergent Young Oceanic vs. Transform Young Oceanic Convergent Divergent Transform

If groups have extra time in breakouts: Click “Automatic Mode”. Create as many plate boundaries and timelines as you wish! Record any interesting observations here:

Group Questions to conclude activity 4. Why does old oceanic crust subduct under young oceanic crust? 5. Where does “new crust” come from? Where does “old crust”go? 6. Why do you think you aren’t able to create a divergent oceanic/continental boundary?