Plate Tectonics: Calculating Collision Time for Distant Continents

  • Thread starter Thread starter CrossFit415
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Astronomy Plate
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the time it takes for two continents, currently 3,000 km apart, to collide given a typical plate motion of 1 centimeter per year. To solve this, participants suggest using a simple distance over speed formula, akin to calculating travel time for a car. The analogy of a car traveling at 10 mph over 200 miles is used to illustrate the concept of generalizing the problem. By applying this method, one can determine the collision time for the continents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding basic mathematical principles in geological contexts.
CrossFit415
Messages
160
Reaction score
0
Typical motions of one plate relative to another are 1 centimeter per year. At this rate, how long would it take for two continents 3,000 km apart to collide?

I don't know where to start or what formula to use.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
How is this astronomy?

Well, if a car is going 10 mph, how long would it take to travel 200 miles?
How can you generalize that problem, to your problem?
 
Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

TL;DR Summary: cannot find out error in solution proposed. [![question with rate laws][1]][1] Now the rate law for the reaction (i.e reaction rate) can be written as: $$ R= k[N_2O_5] $$ my main question is, WHAT is this reaction equal to? what I mean here is, whether $$k[N_2O_5]= -d[N_2O_5]/dt$$ or is it $$k[N_2O_5]= -1/2 \frac{d}{dt} [N_2O_5] $$ ? The latter seems to be more apt, as the reaction rate must be -1/2 (disappearance rate of N2O5), which adheres to the stoichiometry of the...
View full post »

Similar threads

W. Jason Morgan, First Plate Tectonist, Dies at 87
Replies
1
Views
1K
M 7.4 - 2025 Drake Passage Earthquake - unusual
Replies
3
Views
2K
Calculating Collision: How Long Until Two Continents Collide?
Replies
4
Views
7K
Update on Tectonic Plate Dynamics
Replies
4
Views
4K
Electrostatics - Charged Plate Force Calculator
Replies
4
Views
1K
Mag 7.8, 7.5, 6.7 and 6.0 earthquakes and aftershocks in Turkey
Replies
31
Views
3K
Plate Tectonics: The Asthenosphere and Lithosphere
Replies
33
Views
18K
Calculating the Atlantic Ocean's Widening: A Plate Tectonics Question
Replies
3
Views
8K
How Do Horizontal and Vertical Movements Differ in Subducted Plates?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Two decelerating trains on a collision course
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top