Plate Tectonics is a theory proposed and accepted by scientists to explain the nature of earth’s surface characteristics and oceanic and continental makeup. Plate Tectonics divides the earth’s surface into separate sections known as lithospheric plates. These lithospheric plates are composed of the hard rigid outer crust of the earth which “float” on top of the hot more pliable asthenospheric layer. The heating of the asthenospheric layer by the lower mantle results in density changes causing a current type rotational motion which in turn drags the above plates. This motion and the floating attribute of the lithospheric plates gives rise to the earth’s changing surface and oceanic floor features. The behavior of the plates at their intersecting boundaries yields distinct geographical features dependent upon their composition and direction of movement. Divergent, convergent, and transverse are the three main labels associated with plate interactions at their boundaries. Divergent action results when plates are being pulled away from one another forming rift
The Ring of Fire describes a geographical area of intense volcanic and seismic activity and oceanic trenches outlining the Pacific Basin. Seventy-five percent of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes can be found in this arc stretching from New Zealand thru the eastern seaboard of Asia north to the Aleutian Islands and south following the coast of North and South America. This geological phenomenon was recognized long before it could be explained by the science of plate tectonics.
The action of plate tectonics which generated the Ring of Fire’s visible continental landscape is also is responsible for the terrain of the underlying oceanic seabed. Therefore, plate tectonics is responsible for a unique biological environment created at the oceanic plate subduction thru the formation of deep oceanic trenches. Due to the extreme depth of the ocean at the subduction zones it would seem impossible for varied marine life to exist. Light would not penetrate the depth denying photosynthesis. Frigid temperatures, and extreme pressures make the trenches an unfavorable locati
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