1. Plate Tectonics Reflections

2. 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

3. 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.