Asked by Krista Martinez on Jul 04, 2024
Verified
How many times has rifting occurred along eastern North America since 600 million years ago?
A) once in the Mesozoic
B) once near the start of the Paleozoic
C) twice, once in the Mesozoic and once near the start of the Paleozoic
D) four times
Rifting
The process by which the Earth's crust is stretched and broken apart, leading to the formation of rift valleys and, eventually, new ocean basins.
Mesozoic
The geological era between 252 to 66 million years ago, known for the dominance of dinosaurs.
Paleozoic
An era in Earth's geologic time scale, from about 541 to 252 million years ago, marked by the development of early life.
- Identify and explain the geological settings resulting from and leading to continental rifting events.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 06, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Rifting along eastern North America has occurred twice since 600 million years ago: once in the Mesozoic era, leading to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, and once near the start of the Paleozoic era, associated with the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia.
Learning Objectives
- Identify and explain the geological settings resulting from and leading to continental rifting events.