Week 5

We will look at plate tectonics and how it relates to the evolution, proliferation, and die offs of species. We will also look at global CO2 from 600 mya to present. We are looking to create a picture of how living organisms died, were buried, and turned to oil under heat and pressure in the crust. First we look at the mechanism for plate tectonics; convection currents in the mantle. Currents of less dense heated material rise to the surface of Earth because they are less dense. As they cool they become more dense and sink. This process drives the plates like styrofoam floating in a boiling pot of water. 

Day 1 &2

Look at the variety of environments created by the movement of plates and how it creates diverse habitats for evolution. Also notice that atmospheric CO2 is low presently compared to historical concentrations in the last 600 million years.  You can also use the Earth Viewer Simulation.

Use this simulation to visualize the deep history of Earth. Specifically it is important to realize that life likely followed ocean vents to the surface as they became volcanic islands. Realize also that subduction is remelting oceanic crust and creating more silica rich and less dense continental crust. Continental crust changes the flows and patterns of winds, ocean currents, and movement of species. It also creates a greater diversity of environments including those involving fresh water and land.


Compare the paleogeography (ancient land forms) above to the evolution of species below over the same geologic time period. 

Review this video on plate tectonics and take notes. 

The crust of the Earth is similar to the outside of this candle is some ways. The inside is soft like the mantle and the outside is relatively hard like the crust. The flames can represent the heat from the core. The word lithosphere refers to the squishy interior edge of the candle (mantle) and the outer edge (crust). 

Examine the big picture of both plate movement and evolution of species and look for patterns. Recall the generation of more minerals via geologic processes and how that opens up new pathways for life to obtain elements they need for life.

Examine these videos and pay attention to the types of plate boundaries that are at work.

Also pay attention to the types of plants and animals that might have been evolving during these time periods. 

Day 3

Try this simulation to see how plate tectonics creates land and ocean terrain by making your own plates and determining how they move.

Complete the Plate Tectonics Review in Google Classroom.

Basalt

(Oceanic Crust)

Granite

(Continental Crust)

Day 4

Visualize changes in the flow of oceans and the atmosphere as a function of the position of land forms controlled by geologic processes in the Earth. Keep in mind how this effects living things by regulating temperature, access to water and precipitation, types of minerals they have access to, etc. Also keep in mind that the response of living things to these changes further changes the chemical composition of the oceans and atmosphere. 

Use these simulations (on the left and right) to model different salt content and temperature of ocean water. These differences affect the density of water and therefore change how it moves in the ocean. Currents in mantle material and currents in the ocean are analogous with regard to density.

Focus on CO2 as a constant part of the atmosphere of Earth. CO2 is important in controlling the temperature of Earth which in turn controls circulation. Pay attention to how CO2 changes over the long history of Earth using this simulation. Watch this video to see the seasonal changes in CO2 as captured by NASA. Think about the effects of living things on what you are seeing. 

Earth History and Tectonic Processes Study Guide


Day 5