The ________ is the global tectonic cycle that rifts supercontinents, developes extensive passive margins, opens ocean basins, closes ocean basins, creates new island arc or Andean crustal orogens, and finally builds new collisional mountain belts as the ocean completely closes to make a new supercontinent.
A)Convective Conga
B)Seafloor Shake Up
C)Wegnerian Break Up
D)Wilson Cycle

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Wilson Cycle is a well-established model that describes the global tectonic processes of the Earth in which we see the opening and closing of ocean basins and the formation and destruction of supercontinents over geologic time. The cycle begins with the rifting of a supercontinent, which creates a new passive margin and opens an ocean basin. This new ocean basin continues to widen as seafloor spreading occurs until it reaches a subduction zone where material is consumed, and where ultimately the ocean basin closes. Finally, the two continents collide, creating a new collisional mountain range, and a new supercontinent is formed. This cycle has been observed and documented multiple times throughout Earth's history, including the formation and breakup of Pangaea.

The ________ Is the Global Tectonic Cycle That Rifts Supercontinents