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If the African plate continues moving north toward the Eurasian plate, what's likely to occur after millions of years?

A. Earthquakes
B. Formation of new mountain ranges
C. Oceanic ridges formation
D. Continental drift

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The likely outcome of the African plate moving north toward the Eurasian plate is the formation of new mountain ranges like the Alps, as well as potential earthquakes. This is a result of tectonic activity and continental collision.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the African plate continues moving north toward the Eurasian plate, a likely outcome after millions of years is the formation of new mountain ranges. This occurs because as two continental masses collide under great pressure, the Earth's crust buckles and folds, leading to the rise of mountain ranges. A prime example of this process can be observed with the formation of the Alps, resulting from the ongoing collision between the African and Eurasian plates. In addition to mountain building, such tectonic activity can also cause earthquakes due to stress and movement along fault lines.

Other processes related to plate tectonics include continental drift, which refers to the gradual movement of the continents over the Earth's surface, and this drifting can lead to the formation of oceanic ridges and basins over geological time. For instance, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a result of continental drift where the Atlantic Ocean is widening as Europe and North America move apart, creating new oceanic crust.

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