Plate Tectonics PhET Lab (1)
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Palm Beach State College *
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Course
1101
Subject
Geology
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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5
Uploaded by AdmiralStar12677
Plate Tectonics Simulator
Directions: 1.
Go to the following website and click on “Run Now” http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/plate-tectonics
2.
On the bottom right-hand corner of the simulator click on “Both and “Show Labels”.
3.
Place the density dial so that it points to the middle plate.
Part A: Oceanic vs. Continental Crust
1.
Observe the Oceanic Crust on your left and the continental crust on your right. Which type of crust is thicker? The continental crust is thicker.
2.
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.
Variable
Less
More
Temperature
I notice that with less
temperature, the crust
becomes lighter
I notice that with more
temperature, the crust
becomes darker
Composition
I notice that with less
composition, the crust sinks
I notice that with more
composition, the crust rises
Thickness
I notice that with less
thickness, the crust sinks and
becomes thin
I notice that with more
thickness, the crust rises and
becomes thick
3. Use the information you just collected in the table above to answer the following questions:
Which type of crust has a higher temperature? the continental crust
Which type of crust has a higher composition of silica?
the continental crust
Which type of crust has a higher composition of iron?
the oceanic crust
Which type of crust is thicker?
the continental crust
Which type of crust has a lower temperature?
the oceanic crust
4.
What do you think causes the difference in temperature between the 2 types of crust?
The convection in the mantle.
5.
Why type of crust do geologists most typically drill when trying to reach the mantle? Why do you think they do this?
I think they drill in the oceanic crust because it is thinner and smaller compared to the continetal crust.
6.
On the top right corner of your screen, drag the Zoom bar all the way to the bottom. Drag the Density dial into each layer of the Earth to see how dense that layer is. Drag the dial into each layer and fill out the table below. Name of Layer
How does this layer’s
density compare
to
the layer above it? Why do you think this is?
Mantle
•
Greater Than
•
Less Than
•
Equal to
greater the crust
Convection currents
Lower Mantle
•
Greater Than
•
Less Than
•
Equal to
Greater the mantle
Other convection currents
Outer Core
•
Greater Than
•
Less Than
•
Equal to
Less than the lower
mantle
To trap the heat
Inner Core
•
Greater Than
•
Less Than
To trap the heat
•
Equal to
Less than the outer
core
Part B: Plate Motion
Directions: 1.
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!
2.
Drag the Continental Crust Icon to both sides of the plate boundary. Two red knobs should appear. Drag one of the knobs towards the middle to create a convergent boundary. a.
Describe what happens in Table A below.
b.
To reset the simulator each time click “
New Crust
”. c.
To see the same thing happen again click “
Rewind
”.
3.
Reset the simulator and drag the continental crust icon to both sides of the plate boundary. a.
Create a divergent
boundary by pulling the plates away from each other. b.
Record your observations in Table A below. 4.
Finally, reset the simulator with two continental crusts. a.
Pull the knob toward you to create a transform
fault. b.
Record your observations in Table A below. Table A: Continental vs. Continental Plate Boundaries
Two Types of Plates
Type of Boundary
(highlight the type
of boundary that
applies)
Describe what
happens!
What surface
features are
formed?
Time Elapsed
Continental vs.
Continental
●
Convergent
●
Divergent
●
Transform
Continental vs.
Continental
●
Convergent
●
Divergent
●
Transform
Continental vs.
Continental
●
Convergent
●
Divergent
●
Transform
5.
Reset the simulator with one continental crust plate and one young oceanic plate. a.
Move the knob in the direction of the green arrow to create a convergent
boundary.
b.
Hold the knob in place until the time elapsed has reached at least 25 million years. c.
Record your observations in Table B below.
6.
Reset the simulator with one continental crust plate and one old oceanic plate.
a.
Repeat the same procedures as with the young oceanic plate and record your observations in Table B.
Table B: Continental vs. Oceanic Plate Boundaries
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