Geology Lab Report

What is intraplate and interplate volcanism?

Intraplate earthquakes are earthquakes occurring in the interior of a tectonic plate. Intraplate earthquakes are typically pretty rare. The occurrence of an interplate earthquake is usually more common, however. Interplate earthquakes occur on the boundaries of tectonic plates.

Why do basaltic and andesitic magma/lava differ so greatly in their degree of danger?

Basaltic magma tends be much hotter than andesitic magma. Basaltic magma ranges from 1000 to 1200 degrees Celsius; whereas, andesitic magma ranges from 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius. Basaltic magma also tends to have less gas content making it more volatile.

What plate tectonic phases are related to basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic lava?

The basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic lava all take place in the eruption phases of the movement of tectonic phase volcanic eruptions. During volcanic eruptions, lava is emitted from a volcano; these eruptions consist of basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic lava. Basaltic, andesitic, and rhyolitic lava all vary from each other. The hottest of them all is the basaltic heating up to 1200 degrees Celsius. Andesitic heats up to 1000 degrees Celsius. Rhyolitic heats to about 800 degrees Celsius. Basaltic and andesitic lava contain about 55% silica.

Is the depth of earthquake foci the same all over the world?

No. The risks of earthquakes vary depending on a civilization’s location in relationship to t a tectonic plate.

Which type of seismic waves can be distinguished and which are the most destructive?

Primary and secondary waves can be distinguished. Primary waves are the most destructive. These types of waves travel the fastest.

How are plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes related?

Plate tectonics are directly related to volcanoes and earthquakes. The shifting of plate tectonics reflects causality towards the eruption of volcanoes and earthquakes by the shifting of plates. Tectonic plates shift constantly. When two tectonic plates drive against each other, the two press against each other until a breaking point is hit. When the two tectonic plates hit their breaking point after rubbing against each other, a massive seismic wave is created. This resulting wave is an earthquake.

What is the regional strike of the Cretaceous and Tertiary rocks in southern Alabama?

East-West

In what direction do these rocks dip?

South

What is the regional strike of the Paleozoic rocks in Tennessee, Georgia, and northeastern Alabama?

Northwest

What structural features are indicated by the outcrop patterns of these Paleozoic rocks?

The structural dip is an indication of the outcrop patterns.

What is the structural relationship of the Cretaceous rocks and the underlying Paleozoic rocks?

Angular unconformity

If you were to divide the area into geologic regions, where would you draw the boundaries between major provinces? On what factors did you base your decision?

One division would reach from the far base of Mexico to the Seward Peninsula of Alaska. Second, a line running from the Labrador Sea in Canada to Wisconsin, from Wisconsin to Montana. Third, a line would run from the Gulf of St. Lawrence all the way down the United States-Canada border until it reaches Wisconsin. Lastly, a line spanning all the way down the middle of Florida all the way to Buffalo, New York.

Outline a sequence of events to account for the differences in outcrop patterns and age relationships in the area.

Outcrop patterns are a direct relationship to the civilizations around them. The age of a civilization of an area steeply affects the overall outcrop pattern.

Are the faults in eastern Tennessee normal or thrust faults?

The faults in eastern Tennessee are thrust faults.

From the structural trend of the Paleozoic rocks, determine the orientation of the forces responsible for pre-Cretaceous deformation.

The result of the orientation of the forces responsible for pre-Cretaceous deformation is the invaded strata of the rocks.

What structural feature dominates the northwest quarter of the map?

The Rocky Mountains dominate the northwest quarter of the map.