Observations and Models

question 5

Essay

Observations and Models
What is a law of nature? Are all scientific laws examples of laws of nature?

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Definitions:

Continental Rift

A linear zone where the Earth's crust and lithosphere are being pulled apart and is the initial stage of a continental break-up leading to the formation of a new ocean basin.

Divergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Plate Movements

Plate movements refer to the slow, continuous motion of Earth's lithospheric plates on the semi-fluid asthenosphere, causing phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Mid-ocean Divergent Boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates are moving apart, creating new oceanic crust, typically at a mid-ocean ridge.