Question

multiple choice question
the theory of plate tectonics explains how and why catastrophic geologic events occur on earth. the changes to earth’s surface that occur depend on the type of plates and the direction of movement. which choice describes how a new ocean basin forms?

• continental plate slides past another continental plate
• an ocean plate collides with a continental plate.
• continental plate splits and moves apart
• an ocean plate collides with another ocean plate

Explanation:

To determine how a new ocean basin forms, we analyze plate tectonic processes:

• When a continental plate splits and moves apart (rifting), the gap created can fill with water over time, forming a new ocean basin.
• Sliding past (transform boundary) or colliding (convergent boundaries like ocean - continental or ocean - ocean collisions) do not create new ocean basins. Sliding causes earthquakes, ocean - continental collision forms mountain ranges or trenches, and ocean - ocean collision forms island arcs or trenches.

Answer:

C. continental plate splits and moves apart