What is Diastrophism and types of it pptx

What is diastrophism

1. Introduction to Diastrophism Diastrophism is the process of deformation of the Earth's crust, resulting in the formation of mountains, valleys, and other large-scale features. This section provides an overview of the key concepts and processes involved in diastrophism, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of this fundamental geological phenomenon. jl by jeremy llorca

2. Tectonic Plate Movements 1 Convergence Plates collide, leading to subduction or continental collision, and the formation of mountain ranges. 2 Divergence Plates move apart, creating rift valleys and new ocean floor at mid-ocean ridges. 3 Transform Faulting Plates slide past each other, resulting in earthquakes and the formation of transform faults.

3. Folding and Faulting Folding Compressive forces cause the rock layers to bend and fold, creating structures like anticlines and synclines. Faulting Fractures in the Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved relative to each other, leading to features like thrust faults and normal faults. Fault Zones Complex networks of multiple faults, often associated with earthquakes and mountain building.

4. Mountain Building Processes 1 Uplift The vertical movement of the Earth's crust, often due to tectonic plate collisions, forming high mountain ranges. 2 Erosion The gradual wearing away of mountains by wind, water, and ice, shaping the landscape over geological time. 3 Orogenesis The entire mountain-building process, involving uplift, folding, faulting, and erosion, creating the world's major mountain ranges.

5. Volcanic Activity and Earthquakes Volcanic Eruptions Magma rising to the surface, often along fault lines, can lead to explosive volcanic activity and the formation of new landforms. Earthquakes Sudden movements along faults can release built-up energy, causing seismic waves that can devastate surrounding areas. Plate Tectonics The movement and interaction of the Earth's tectonic plates is the primary driver of both volcanic and seismic activity.

6. Geological Time Scales Eons The largest divisions of geological time, spanning billions of years, such as the Precambrian and Phanerozoic eons. Eras Eons are divided into eras, such as the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, which cover hundreds of millions of years. Periods Eras are further divided into periods, such as the Jurassic and Cretaceous, which span tens of millions of years. Epochs Periods are divided into epochs, the shortest divisions of geological time, ranging from a few million to a few hundred thousand years.

7. Impact on Landscape Formation Tectonic Uplift The vertical movement of the Earth's crust creates high mountain ranges and elevated plateaus. Erosion Wind, water, and ice wear down the mountains, creating valleys, canyons, and other dramatic landforms. Deposition Sediments carried by water and wind are deposited in basins and lowlands, forming fertile plains and fertile soil.

8. Importance of Diastrophism in Geology 1 Shaping the Earth's Surface Diastrophism is the primary driver of large-scale changes to the Earth's landscape, from the formation of mountains to the creation of ocean basins. 2 Exposing Geological Strata Tectonic forces and erosion reveal the Earth's geological history, allowing scientists to study and understand the planet's evolution. 3 Resource Exploration Diastrophism can create and expose valuable mineral and energy resources, making it a crucial field for geologists and resource industries. 4 Natural Hazard Mitigation Understanding diastrophic processes is key to predicting and mitigating natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.