ESCI B.S2.O2.A4 Plate Tectonics Evidence

• Explain how mantle plumes (hot spots) provide evidence for the rate and direction of tectonic plate motion.
• Organize and evaluate the evidence for the current theory of plate tectonics: sea floor spreading, age of sea floor, distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Part of the problem with Alfred Wegener's Continental Drift hypothesis was it didn't have a good explanation for the mechanism that drove the plates. What could have the force to move entire continents? 

Go through this Khan Academy module on the Theory of Plate Tectonics Links to an external site.. Make sure to go through all 9 sections found in the sidebar. As you watch the videos you need to identify and explain how the evidence in the list below supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Make sure to include the "Hawaiian Islands Formation" section as evidence of mantle plumes.

Your Assignment: List each evidence along with the description of how it supports the theory in the submission box.

• Mantle plumes (Hawaiian Islands Formation)
• Age of ocean floor
• Distribution of earthquakes and volcanos.
• Mid-ocean ridges/Sea floor spreading
• Trenches
• Magentic striping