Using the Atlantic Ocean as an example, describe in detail how an ocean basin is formed


Ocean basins are formed at divergent plate boundaries where two lithospheric plates pull apart. The Atlantic Ocean basin began growing around 210 million years ago when heat from the mantle caused the asthenosphere to expand and rise. This caused the overlying lithosphere to lift and fracture, forming a rift. As the lithosphere continued to separate, magma rose to the surface and solidified, forming a new basaltic ocean floor. Over time, as the ocean basin continued to grow larger and deeper, water began to collect in the basin, eventually forming the Atlantic Ocean.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Which of the following accurately compares the temperatures of cities and rural areas on clear, cold, winter nights?

A. Cities tend to cool more slowly than rural areas and have higher temperatures. B. Cities tend to cool more quickly than rural areas and have lower temperatures. C. Cities tend to cool more slowly than rural areas and have lower temperatures. D. Cities tend to cool more quickly than rural areas and have higher temperatures.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Which name applies to states in the Midwest part of the U.S. that experience huge topsoil losses in the 1930s?

A. Dust Bowl B. Rose Bowl C. Dust Bin D. Dirty Devil

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Nitrous oxide enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels and

A. rice paddies. B. use of fertilizers. C. wetlands. D. cattle.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The Sun's altitude refers to

A) the subsolar point. B) the average insolation received at the thermopause when Earth is at its average distance from the Sun. C) the angle of the Sun above the horizon. D) how far the Sun is from Earth. E) the angular distance from the equator to the latitude at which direct overhead insolation is received.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences