Chapter 14, Problem 1GST

To determine

Whether the presence of a sliver of oceanic crust that is seen in the interior of the continent refutes the theory of plate tectonics.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The presence of parts of ocean crust in the interior of continents would not refute the theory of plate tectonics, because mountain building processes lead to the uplifting of marine sediments onto the interior of continents.

Explanation of Solution

Plate tectonics is the theory which describes the movement of the global tectonic plates of the lithosphere on the hot, plastic asthenosphere. This motion gives rise to the appearance of different plate boundaries such as convergent, divergent, and tectonic plate boundaries.

The presence of parts of ocean crust or basin is seen in the interior of continents; this would not refute the theory of plate tectonics. The intervening of ocean basins in between the continental margins meant that the sediments below the sea level were uplifted by orogenic activity during the collision of two landmasses. The folding and thrust faulting may lead to the uplifting of marine sediments onto the interior of continents.