if this is so, why are the polar ice caps melting a problem? shouldnt the plates just rise w/ the water??
2007-02-19 08:29:13 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Environment
Take a look at this illustration:
http://smallcomets.physics.uiowa.edu/lecture/FIGURE12.GIF
The tectonic plates lie over a fluid layer (the asthenosphere) formed by magma, but the plates form all of what we see of the Earth's surface (both oceanic and continental crust). Consequently our oceans are _above_ the crust, and do not contact the asthenosphere.
The tectonic plates are floating, but not in water.
2007-02-19 08:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by Calimecita 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
no because they float above magma under the Earths rocky crust, not water. plus most rocks sink in water. But some times the land will rise a little after the ice melts, because of the drop in pressure and weight from the ice.
2007-02-19 16:37:35 · answer #2 · answered by 22 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Their probable a little heavier than water don't you think? Gave me a chuckle though, thanks.
2007-02-19 16:33:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋