Earth science is an all-embracing term for the eclectic sciences related to the planet Earth. It is arguably a special case in planetary science, the Earth being the only known life-bearing planet. There are both reductionist and holistic approaches to Earth sciences. The formal discipline of Earth sciences may include the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, oceans and biosphere, as well as the solid earth.
5.7 What is an Ophiolite Complex? The four distinct layers of oceanic crust One of the most interesting aspects of the oceanic crust is that its thickness and structure is remarkably consistent throughout the entire ocean basin. Seismic soundings …
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5.6 Seafloor Spreading at Divergent Boundaries, Spreading Rates and Mid-Ocean Ridge Topography The greatest volume of magma, more than 60% of Earth’s total yearly output, is produced along the oceanic ridge system in association with seafloor spreading. As the …
5.5 The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Global Oceanic Ridge System: Main Features Along well-developed divergent plate boundaries, the seafloor is elevated, forming a broad linear swell called the oceanic ridge, or mid-ocean ridge. Our knowledge of the oceanic ridge …
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5.4 How deep are ocean trenches such as the Mariana Trench and the Tonga Trench? Between the continental margin and the oceanic ridge lies the deep ocean basin. The size of this region, almost 30% of earth’s surface, is …
5.4 How deep are ocean trenches such as the Mariana Trench and the Tonga Trench? Read more »
5.3 Active and Passive Continental Margins Two main types of continental margins have been identified, passive and active. Passive margins are found along most of the coastal areas that surround the Atlantic and Indian oceans, including the east coasts …