178k views
4 votes
In what tectonic setting the rocks of the Franciscan Melange, Coast Ranges of Central California formed

-in accretionary prism
-in mid oceanic ridge setting
-in hot spot setting

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The Franciscan Melange rocks in the Coast Ranges of Central California formed in an accretionary prism setting related to a convergent boundary, as opposed to a mid-oceanic ridge or hot spot setting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rocks of the Franciscan Melange in the Coast Ranges of Central California formed in an accretionary prism setting. An accretionary prism is associated with subduction zones where one tectonic plate moves under another, resulting in the accumulation of sediments and rocks on the overriding plate's edge. This setting is characteristic of a convergent boundary environment rather than a mid-oceanic ridge or hot spot setting.

Regarding the other tectonic settings mentioned, a mid-oceanic ridge setting involves divergent plate boundaries where tectonic plates pull apart and allow magma to rise and form new oceanic crust. On the other hand, a hot spot setting pertains to an area where a stationary thermal plume in the mantle creates volcanic activity that is not directly associated with plate boundaries, such as the formation of the Hawaiian Islands.

User Kevin Seifert
by
8.1k points