Answer the questions based on the information given.
The Amur plate, a small plate, has moved away from the Eurasian plate. It has moved 125,000 meters in 25 million years. It is moving eastward.
1. What is the rate of motion of the Amur plate? Express your answer in mm/year.
2. Where would the plate be after 1 million years? Express your answer in m.
3. What geologic feature will form between the Amur and Eurasian plates?
Answer (2)
Calculate the rate of motion: rate = 25 , 000 , 000 years 125 , 000 m = 0.005 m/year = 5 mm/year .
Calculate the distance after 1 million years: distance = 0.005 year m × 1 , 000 , 000 years = 5000 m .
Identify the geologic feature: A rift valley or mid-ocean ridge will form.
The rate of motion is 5 mm/year and the distance after 1 million years is 5000 m .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are given that the Amur plate has moved 125,000 meters in 25 million years and we need to find the rate of motion of the Amur plate in mm/year, the position of the plate after 1 million years in meters, and the geologic feature that will form between the Amur and Eurasian plates.
Calculating the Rate of Motion First, we calculate the rate of motion in meters per year by dividing the total distance traveled by the total time: rate (m/year) = time (years) distance (m) = 25 , 000 , 000 years 125 , 000 m = 0.005 m/year Next, we convert this rate to millimeters per year by multiplying by 1000: rate (mm/year) = 0.005 year m × 1000 m mm = 5 mm/year So, the rate of motion of the Amur plate is 5 mm/year.
Calculating the Distance After 1 Million Years Now, we calculate the distance the plate will move in 1 million years. We use the rate in meters per year: distance (m) = rate (m/year) × time (years) = 0.005 year m × 1 , 000 , 000 years = 5000 m Therefore, the plate will be 5000 meters away from its original position after 1 million years.
Identifying the Geologic Feature Since the Amur plate is moving away from the Eurasian plate, a divergent boundary is formed between them. At divergent boundaries, geologic features such as rift valleys on continents or mid-ocean ridges in oceanic settings can form.
Final Answer The rate of motion of the Amur plate is 5 mm/year. After 1 million years, the plate will be 5000 meters away from its original position. A rift valley or mid-ocean ridge will form between the Amur and Eurasian plates.
Examples
Understanding the movement of tectonic plates helps us predict and prepare for geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. For example, knowing the rate at which plates move allows scientists to estimate the buildup of stress along fault lines, which can lead to earthquakes. This knowledge is crucial for developing building codes and emergency plans in seismically active regions. Similarly, understanding how plates diverge helps us understand the formation of new landforms and the distribution of natural resources.
The Amur plate moves at a rate of 5 mm/year and will be 5000 meters away after 1 million years. This movement creates a divergent boundary, likely leading to the formation of a rift valley or mid-ocean ridge between the plates.
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