Plate Tectonics Reflections

Adapted from D. Forsyth, Brown University Supertanker Mass - 2 x 108 kg Velocity - 8 m/s 1000km Tectonic Plate 1000km KE which is proportional to work is equal to 1/2 MV2 Thus the KE of the supertanker is 6.4 x 109 kg m2/s2 while the KE of the plate is 1.5 x 102 kg m2/s2 The conclusion is that a moving plate can easily be stopped! So how are mountains built? The forces in the system must balanced in the system or will accelerate or decelerate rapidly. Collisions of plates can build mountains only because the forces that drive the plate act continuously over millions of years. Mass - 3 x 1020 kg Velocity - 1 x 10-9 m/s 100km One moves oil, while the other builds mountains. Which can do more work? Adapted from D. Forsyth, Brown University

The Supertanker KE which is proportional to work is equal to 1/2 MV2 Thus the KE of the supertanker is 6.4 x 109 kg m2/s2 while the KE of the plate is 1.5 x 102 kg m2/s2 Conclusion: A moving tectonic plate can easily be stopped! Therefore forces in the system must be balanced or the system will accelerate or decelerate rapidly. So how are mountains built? Collisions of plates can build mountains only because the forces that drive the plate act continuously over millions of years.