The Great Chilean Earthquake on May 22, 1960, was Tectonic in origin caused by the subduction movement of the Nazca Plates
beneath the South American Plate. What can be inferred about the two plates?
A. The South American Plate is denser than the Nazca Plate
B. The Nazca Plate is denser than the South American Plate.
C. The Nazca Plate and the South American Plate have the same density.
D. The Nazca Plate is less dense than the South American Plate
beneath the South American Plate. What can be inferred about the two plates?
A. The South American Plate is denser than the Nazca Plate
B. The Nazca Plate is denser than the South American Plate.
C. The Nazca Plate and the South American Plate have the same density.
D. The Nazca Plate is less dense than the South American Plate
Answers & Comments
Answer:
The Nazca Plate is denser than the South American Plate.
Explanation:
This can be inferred from the fact that the Nazca Plate is subducting beneath the South American Plate. Subduction is a process in which a denser oceanic plate sinks beneath a less dense continental plate. The denser plate sinks because it is heavier than the surrounding mantle.
Therefore, the answer is (B).