QAGeography › What aspect of plate tectonics is least understood and requires further research?
Q

What aspect of plate tectonics is least understood and requires further research?

A. The driving mechanism. (what causes plates to start moving one direction and then stop or change directions)

B. Why melting occurs and what types of magmas are generated.

C. What types of earthquakes to expect in association with the different plate boundaries.

D. What types of mineral deposits are associated with particular tectonic conditions?

A

Answer: C. What types of earthquakes to expect in association with the different plate boundaries.

The most difficult aspect of plate tectonics that requires further research is the part that involves determining the exact type of earthquake one should expect relative to the different plate boundaries. Plate tectonics is easily understood by understanding the four types of boundaries existing between tectonic plates. These plates are defined by their movement; convergent, divergent boundaries, plate boundary, and transform fault boundaries. When earthquakes occur, understanding just how the plates move has been a major challenge scientists struggled with for years. The theory of continental drift however brought about modern studies of plate tectonics. Determining the type of earthquake has become less stressful but still requires further research when dealing with them.

3 years ago
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