/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 8 How did Greenland become separat... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 8

How did Greenland become separated from North America?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Greenland became separated from North America due to the process of plate tectonics, specifically rifting. Both landmasses were initially part of the supercontinent Pangaea, which began to break apart around 200 million years ago. The rifting process caused the lithosphere to crack and split apart, allowing magma to rise to the surface, leading to volcanic activity and further splitting. Over time, the Atlantic Ocean was formed between Greenland and North America as the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate moved in opposite directions. The separation continues even today, with Greenland drifting away from North America at a rate of about 2.5 cm per year.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Plate Tectonics

Plate tectonics is a geologic theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere. The theory suggests that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core. This movement of plates leads to earthquakes, volcanic activity, the creation of mountain ranges, and the differentiation of continents and oceans.
02

The Origin of Greenland and North America's Connection

Greenland and North America were once a part of the same landmass. They were part of the supercontinent known as Pangaea, which began to break apart approximately 200 million years ago.
03

Separation Process

The separation process began with what geologists call rifting. Rifting is a process where the lithosphere and asthenosphere, layers of the Earth's crust, start to split apart. Magma or molten rock from the Earth's mantle rises to the surface, causing the lithosphere to crack and split apart. This process is accompanied by volcanic activity, causing further splitting or cracking of the lithosphere.
04

Formation of the Atlantic Ocean

As rifting continued, a new ocean was formed between Greenland and North America, which we now know as the Atlantic Ocean. This ocean continued to expand as the North American Plate and the Eurasian Plate (the plate that includes Greenland) moved in opposite directions.
05

Final Separation

Over millions of years, the ocean between Greenland and North America widened, completing the separation process. However, the plates continue to move, meaning that Greenland is still gradually moving away from North America.
06

Continued Movement

Even today, the plates continue to drift slowly, at a speed of about 2.5 cm per year. So, Greenland continues to move away from North America slowly, this plate tectonics process is still ongoing. This is why Greenland and North America are not only separated but continue to become more distant from each other.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What were the most prominent groups of swimming predators in Cretaceous seas?

How did climatic and oceanographic conditions change a few million years before the end of the Cretaceous Period? What were the consequences for the reef-building rudists?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Dynamic Landscapes

Read Explanation

Changing Economic World

Read Explanation

Challenges In The Human Environment

Read Explanation

Glaciated Landscapes

Read Explanation

Sustainable Urban Development

Read Explanation

Water Cycle

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.