A prediction of the theory of Plate Tectonics is that new volcanoes can form at the boundary of two plates as magma seeps between them. To test this hypothesis, a scientist makes a map of existing volcanoes along a tectonic plate and measures the number of new volcanoes that appear over a decade. What would be the expected result of the experiment? How would you interpret the results if the scientist observes no new volcanic activity?

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Konnor Hinton

Biology

20 February, 15:55

A prediction of the theory of Plate Tectonics is that new volcanoes can form at the boundary of two plates as magma seeps between them. To test this hypothesis, a scientist makes a map of existing volcanoes along a tectonic plate and measures the number of new volcanoes that appear over a decade. What would be the expected result of the experiment? How would you interpret the results if the scientist observes no new volcanic activity?

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Madisyn Grimes · Answer 1

Personally, I wouldn't expect any significant results. Maybe he'll get lucky and get a new volcano, but 10 years is virtually nothing on the geologic timescale. That's like trying to measure how many times a person blinks in 0.1 seconds. You shouldn't expect to see any.