Which Effect Is Now Thought to Be the MOST Likely

question 269

Multiple Choice

Which effect is now thought to be the MOST likely cause for the inclinations of spin axis of several of the planets such as Uranus (and even Earth) to their orbital planes?

• A) the out-of-balance force on the spin axes of planets from their moons, some of which are very massive
• B) a major collision with another planet-like body
• C) the steady force on one hemisphere of the planet from the highly directional solar wind
• D) tidal distortion and deflection caused by neighboring planets

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Definitions:

Oceanic Crust

The part of Earth's lithosphere that underlies the ocean basins, composed mostly of basaltic rock and thinner than the continental crust.

Island Arcs

Curved chains of volcanic islands that form along subduction zones at the edges of tectonic plates in the ocean.

Continental Rifts

Areas where the Earth's crust is stretching and splitting apart, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust.

Felsic

Refers to igneous rocks that are rich in silica and light in color, including granite and rhyolite.