SHS

Earth Science
Quarter 2 – Week 4
Module 4 - Structure and Evolution of Ocean Basins
Earth Science
Grade 11/12 Quarter 2 - Module 4 - Structure and Evolution of Ocean
Basins
First Edition, 2020

Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: MELANIE F. PADILLA, TII

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent
Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief
Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS
Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D., EPS in Charge of Science
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
 Earth Science
Quarter 2 – Week 4
Module 4 - Structure and
Evolution of Ocean Basins
 Target

The Earth, as one of the few planets in the solar system, which has
important habitable characteristics, and life is possible. The prominent surface
on Earth had given rise to its unique characteristics as a planet. Additionally,
the vital formation of Earth's continental and oceanic crusts was equally
astonishing. In addition, Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift states that
the Earth originated from a supercontinent called Pangaea, where it stretched
across multiple continents. Likewise, tectonic plate theory is tangible evidence
that supports the existence of a viable progression towards the physical surface
of the Earth. This module will give you an overview of how the EARTH becomes
a magnificent planet.
In the previous lesson, you have known and understood how rock behaves
under different types of stress such as compression, pulling apart, and shearing,
and an explanation on how seafloor spreads.

This module provides extensive information and activities to better

understand the formation of the earth's surface.
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. describe the structure and evolution of ocean basins (S11ES-IIf- 33)
a. defines ocean basin;
b. identifies the structures or topographical features associated with an ocean
basin;
c. cites an example of ocean basins; and
d. enumerates the stages of evolution of ocean basins
2. explain how the movement of plates leads to the formation of folds, faults,
trenches, volcanoes, rift valleys, and mountain ranges (S11ES-IIg-h-34)
a. defines folds, faults, trenches, volcanoes, rifts and mountain ranges.
b. describes the movements of the plate.

Are you ready to see the BEAUTY of our planet from within? Appreciate
the grandeur of CHANGE and take the initiative in preserving and making the
EARTH a better place to LIVE.

Before continuing, check what you know about this topic. Complete
 the pretest of the next page on a separate sheet of paper.

Pretest

Read and analyze each question then choose the letter of the correct answer.
Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper.

1. How does an ocean basin form?

A. The continental lithosphere becomes so dense that it collapses
B. All ocean basins were formed during the formation of the Earth's core
C. A continental plate is pulled apart and the spread of the seafloor creates
ocean
D. The heat of the Earth's mantle causes the continental crust to
Transform

2. What percentage of the Earth is covered by ocean?

A. 70% B. 50% C. 20% D. 43%

3. Where are ocean basins?

A. below sea level C. beneath the mantle
B. above sea level D. above the core

4. What is the largest ocean?

A. Pacific Ocean C. Arctic Ocean
B. Atlantic Ocean D. Indian Ocean

5. The process of the ocean floor sinking under a deep-sea trench and back
into the mantle is known as_____________
A. continental drift C. convection
B. plate tectonics D. subduction

6. What is the supercontinent that existed when all continents were a piece
of land?
A. Pangaea B. Gondawana C. Laurasia D. Euresia

7. What do we call the soft, plastic like part of the mantle?

 A. Asthenosphere B. Lithosphere C. Hydrosphere D. Ionosphere

8. What is the driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates?

A. Mantle Convection currents
B. Oceanic Convection currents
C. Atmospheric Convections currents
D. Continental Convection currents

9. What is the movement of plate at the divergent boundary?

A. plate moves towards each other
B. plate slides past each other
C. plates move up and down
D. plates move away from each other

10. All of the following are plate boundary, EXCEPT______.

A. convergent plate boundary
B. divergent plate boundary
C. transform plate boundary
D. upward plate boundary

11. When did the supercontinent Pangaea begin to break apart?

A. about 10,000 years ago
B. about 10 million years ago
C. about 200 million years ago
D. about 570 million years ago

12. What type of boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

A. convergent plate boundary
B. divergent plate boundary
C. transform plate boundary
D. upward plate boundary

13. Which ocean is increasing most in size over time?

A. Arctic Ocean B. Atlantic Ocean C. Indian Ocean D. Pacific Ocean

14. Which ocean is decreasing the most in size over time?

A. Arctic Ocean B. Atlantic Ocean C. Indian Ocean D. Pacific Ocean

15. Most earthquakes happen along the _____________________.

A. fault
B. volcanic mountains
C. Pacific Ring of Fire
D. mid-ocean ridge
 Lesson 1 STRUCTURE AND EVOLUTION OF OCEAN BASINS AND
FORMATION OF FOLDS, FAULTS, TRENCHES,
VOLCANOES, RIFT VALLEYS, AND MOUNTAIN RANGES
THROUGH PLATE MOVEMENT

Jumpstart

The lesson will be introduced through this activity

. Enjoy and best of luck!

Activity 1: Tell Me More!

Directions: Figure 1 is an image of the transition of the Earth surface over time.
Likewise, Figure 2 is an image courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Pacific Services Center Earth. Look completely at the
picture and be ready to answer the guide questions listed. Write your answer in
each number on a separate sheet.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Guide Questions
For Figure 1
1. What does figure 1 represent?
2. Do you agree in the picture that our planet was once made up of a
supercontinent? Cite evidence to support your answer

Figure 2
1. What is the dominant physical feature on our planet?
2. Why the Earth is called a "blue planet?”
3. How important is water for the life of the Earth?
4. How did the earth form oceans?

Activity 2: Unlock me!

Direction: To identify the exact word defined in each number. Organize the
jumbled words. Write your answer on a separate sheet.
1. CCINOOTNEV UTENRRC -It is the rising, spread, and sinking of gas,
liquid, or molten material caused by the
application of heat.
2. CAONNILTNET DTFIR -Theory that explained how continents shift
TREOHY position on Earth's surface
3. CEANO SIANBS -They are large geologic basins that are
below sea level.
4. APANAEG -It is called the supercontinents.
5. TLSPRHHIOEE -It refers to the stronger outer layer of the
Earth and includes the crust and outer part
of the mantle
6. TAEPL CONETITC EROHYT -Theory states that Earth's outer shell is
divided into several plates that glide over the
mantle, the rocky inner layer above the core
6. CGNERNOVTE -It is where plates move into one another
7. ITGEVNERD -It is where plates move apart
8. NRTMFAORS -It is where plates move sideways in relation
to each other
9. TCNTEIOC TAESLP -Pieces of Earth's crust
10. UAFLT -A fracture or zone of fractures between two
blocks of rock.
 Discover

CHANGE is truly inevitable. Earth is a planet defined by change, going

throughout periods of intense heat and freezing, which have led to the formation
oceans and continents that are reshaped by the actions of plate tectonics. It
looked very different from 250 million years ago, from a single continent called
Pangaea and one ocean called Panthalassa.
As the mantle warmed and cooled throughout time the outer crust erupted
and plate movement began that continues today. At present, there are seven
major continents. The physical boundaries in the continental and oceanic crusts
gradually form. Let's take a look at the EARTH milestone.

Figure 1

Activity 1 Insights REVIEW!

Directions: Study the Figure 1 and answer the following questions.
1. What are the three main layers of the EARTH?
2. What is the outer layer of the earth?
3. What is the solid, outer part of the Earth that includes portion of
the mantle and the crust, the outermost layers of Earth’s structure?

ADD- ON
• There are two types of lithosphere: oceanic lithosphere and
continental lithosphere.
• Oceanic lithosphere is associated with oceanic crust, and is
slightly denser than continental lithosphere.
Do You Know That?
• Tectonic Plates are broken pieces; they are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle
found in the Earth’s Lithosphere. Major tectonic plates (Figure 2)

Figure 2

• Tectonic Plate activity plays a vital role in the GEOLOGIC changes in the
EARTH that occurs in the LITHOSPHERE. How?

How Plates Move?

- When mantle convection drives plate tectonics. The hot material rises over
mid-ocean ridges and sinks into deep trenches, which keeps the plates
moving along the Earth's surface.

Figure 3

Plate Boundary/Margin
 - is the edge where two plates meet. Most geological activity, including
volcanoes, earthquakes and mountain construction, take place at plate
boundaries. How can two plates move relative to each other?
-

• Divergent plate boundaries:

-the two plates move away from each
other.
• Convergent plate boundaries: - the
two plates move towards each other.
• Transform plate boundaries: - the two
plates slip past each other.

Figure 4

What is the RESULT of tectonic plate activity when it occurs within the
different boundaries of the plate in the CONTINENTAL LITHOSPHERE?

1. Divergent Plate Boundary also known as Constructive Plate Boundary

- Plates move apart from one

another. The magma from the
mantle rises up to make (or
construct) new crust.
- EARTHQUAKES occurs
when plates move over the
mantle
- Landforms at a divergent
plate boundary include
a) Mid-Ocean Ridges;
(b) Rift Valleys; and
(c)Shield Volcanoes.
- As plates move apart at
mid-ocean ridges where new
seafloor forms. Between the
two plates is a rift valley. Figure 5
 Figure 6 Figure 7
Figure 6 (a) Iceland is the one location where the ridge is located on land: the
Mid-Atlantic Ridge separates the North American and Eurasian plates; (b) The
rift valley in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on Iceland.
Figure 7 The Arabian, Indian, and African plates are rifting apart, forming the
Great Rift Valley in Africa. The Dead Sea fills the rift with seawater

WORD POWER!
• What is a Mid- Oceanic Ridge?
o An underwater mountain range, formed by plate tectonics
• What is a Rift Valley?
o A lowland region that forms where Earth's tectonic plates move apart
• What is a shield volcano?
o A broad domed volcano with gently sloping sides, characteristic of
the eruption of fluid, basaltic lava.
o e.g. Mauna Loa volcano on Hawaii

2. Convergent plate boundary also known as a Destructive Plate Boundary,

- usually involves an oceanic plate and a continental plate.
 - The plates move towards
one another and this
movement can cause
EARTHQUAKES and
VOLCANOES. (Figure 8)
- SUBDUCTION occurs
when the plates collide;
the oceanic plate is forced
beneath the continental
plate which formed an
OCEAN TRENCH
- This happens because the
oceanic plate is denser
(heavier) than the
continental plate.
- When the plate sinks into
the mantle it melts to form
magma. The pressure of
the magma builds up
beneath the Earth's surface.
- The magma escapes through weaknesses in the rock and rises up through
a composite volcano, also known as a STRATOVOLCANO.
- The volcanic eruptions are often violent, with lots of steam, gas and ash.
- FOLD MOUNTAINS is formed when two continental plates collide, neither
can sink and so the land buckles upwards.
- This is called a collision boundary. Earthquakes can occur at collision
boundaries.

WORD POWER!
• What is an Ocean Trench?
o A long, narrow depression on the seafloor.
o e.g. Philippine Trench, Tonga Trench, the South Sandwich Trench,
the Eurasian Basin and Malloy Deep, the Diamantina Trench, the
Puerto Rican Trench, and the Marianas.
• What is a Stratovolcano?
o A tall, conical volcano composed of one layer of hardened lava,
tephra, and volcanic ash
o e.g, Krakatoa in Indonesia, Mt. Pinatubo
• What is a Fold Mountains?
o A wave-like geologic structure that forms when rocks deform
o e.g. Himalayas, The Andes and the Alps
3. Transform Boundary or
Conservative plate boundaries
- Plates slide past each other
in opposite directions, or in
the same direction but at
different speeds. (Figure 9)
- A smaller number of
transform faults cut
continental lithosphere.
- The most famous example of
this is the San Andreas Fault
Zone of western North America.
- The San Andreas connects a divergent boundary in the Gulf of California
with the Cascadia subduction zone. (Figure 10)
- Another example of a transform boundary on land is the Alpine Fault of
New Zealand.

Figure 10

WORD POWER!
• What is a FAULT?
o A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.

Activity 2 Vocabulary ALERT!

Direction: To identify the exact word defined in each number. Organize the
jumbled words. Write your answer on a separate sheet.
1. OFSDL -a wave-like geologic structure that forms when
rocks deform
2. UTFLSA -fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks
of rock.
3. MDAIENCO ERISDG -an underwater mountain range, formed by plate
tectonics
4. TRIF VELAYLS -lowland region that forms where Earth's tectonic
plates move apart
5. ALVOCESNO -an opening in Earth's crust that allows molten
rock from beneath the crust to reach the surface
6. RNECSTHE - are long, narrow depressions on the seafloor.
7. ANS DENRAS TLFAU - the sliding boundary between the Pacific Plate
and the North American Plate.
8. KEHTUEARQA -shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting
from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's
lithosphere that creates seismic waves.
9. TLAPE OBNUDRYA -the location where two plates meet
10. AGAMM -molten rock

What is the RESULT of tectonic plate activity when it occurs within the
different boundaries of the plate in the OCEANIC LITHOSPHERE?

Evolution Of The Ocean Basins Through Tectonic Plate Movements

Ocean basins have developed as plate tectonics continued and date back
to 2 billion years ago. The break-up of the supercontinent Pangea, which began
a little less than 200 million years ago, has led to the formation of a huge
landmass made up of almost all of today's continents. The Atlantic Ocean has
formed about 200 million years ago when the Pangean continent began to
separate. 180 million years ago, North America separated from South America
and Africa. North America then joined Eurasia and created Laurasia. By 135
million years ago South America began to separate from Africa. North America
and Eurasia separated a few million years after. In addition, this tectonic activity
has led to the shrinking of the Pacific Basin at the expense of the growth of the
Atlantic and Arctic basins, with the opening of the Tethys Seaway surrounding
the globe in tropical latitudes and subsequent closure, and the opening of the
Southern Ocean, while the southern continents moved north, away from
Antarctica.

What is an Ocean basin?

- it is a depression of the earth's surface in which an ocean lies. It is one of
many vast undersea regions that together cover nearly three-quarters of
the earth's surface.
- Together, it contains the vast majority of all the water on the planet and
has an average depth of nearly 4 km (about 2.5 miles).
 - Ocean basins vary in size, shape, and characteristics due to the movement
of the earth's crust (lithosphere).
-
What are the main types of tectonic activity that shape ocean basins?
- Seafloor spreading (e.g. Atlantic Basin); and
- Subduction (e.g. Pacific Basin)

What are the major and smaller Ocean Basin?

– Major ocean basins, coordinating with the major oceans of the world: the
Pacific basin, the Atlantic basin, the Indian basin, the Arctic basin, and
the Southern basin.
– Smaller basins are often considered oceanic basins, such as the North
Aleutian Basin, between the Pacific and Arctic Oceans.

Figure 11

Below is an image comes from satellite altimetry and ship depth soundings
and U.S. Geological Survey digital elevation maps (DEM) of the Earth's land
surface that displays the topography of the Earth's terrestrial land surface and
ocean basins.

In the ocean basin, the gradation from red to yellow to green to blue
indicates increasing depth.
– A number of structural or topographic features associated with the ocean
basin can be seen in this image.
• The red area that borders the various landmasses is the continental shelf.
This feature is structurally part of the continental landmasses despite the fact
that it is under water.
• The yellow to green zone around the continental shelf is the continental
slope and continental rise.
• The blue region in the various ocean basins constitutes the ocean floor. In
the center of ocean basins, the mid-oceanic ridges can be seen with a color
ranging from green to yellow to orange.

Figure 12

If internet is available, you can visit this video link for additional information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk3vlhz1b6

Keyword is the KEY

• Continental Shelf • a shallow submerged margin of the continents

that lies between the edge of the shoreline and
the continental slope. This nearly level area of
the continental crust has surface layers composed
of sediment or sedimentary rock.
• Continental Slope - a steeply sloping portion of continental
crust found between the continental
shelf and continental rise.
• Continental Rise -a thick layers of sediment found between
the continental slope the ocean floor.
• Ocean Floor - a flat plain found at the bottom of the ocean. The
ocean floor represents the surface of the oceanic
crust. The ocean floor lies between the mid-oceanic
ridges and the trenches, usually 5,000 to 7,000
meters below the ocean surface. Also called
the abyssal plain.
• Mid- Oceanic Ridges - a chain of submarine mountains where oceanic
crust is created from rising magma
plumes and volcanic activity. Also associated with
this feature is plate divergence which creates
a rift zone.

Stages of Ocean Basins Evolution

• Figure 13, Wilson cycle is named after Canadian geophysicist J. Tuzo Wilson
(1908-1993)
• As the crust thins as a result of extensional tectonics, an ocean basin forms
and sediments accumulate along its margins. Subduction is then initiated at
one of the margins of the ocean basin and the ocean basin is closed. When the
crust starts to thin again, a new cycle begins.
 Explore

Assessment 1: Check for UNDERSTANDING

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Write T if the statement expresses a
TRUE statement and F if the statement expresses a FALSE statement. Use a
separate sheet to write your answer.
1. The activity of tectonic plates has a significant effect on the geological change
of our planet.
2. The transform boundary occurs when two plates move towards each other.
3. Rift Valley is formed by a divergent plate boundary.
4. San Andres fault is an example of a mid-ocean ridge.
5. When two continental plates collide neither can sink nor so the land buckles
upward, Folding Mountains are created.
6. Seafloor spreading and subduction are the two main tectonic activity that
leads to ocean basin formation.
7. Plate boundary is the edge where plate meets.
8. Geologic change of the Earth is affected by the movement of plates.
9. San Andres fault is an example of transform boundary.
10. Marianas Trench is an example of convergent boundary.

Activity 1 Map Up!

Directions: Using the Earth’s tectonic plate map. Name the plate boundary that
exists at a particular plate/location. This map was prepared by National Park
Service. Use a separate sheet to write your answer
Activity 2. Simple Recall!
Directions: Read each question and write your answer in a separate sheet.
1. Name four major ocean basins coordinating with the major oceans?
2. Name two tectonic activities that shape ocean basins?
3. Using the image in Figure 11, name four (4) topographic features associated
with the ocean basin?

ASSESSMENT 2: Pass the POINTER, please!

A. PLATE BOUNDARIES
Directions: Draw the different boundaries of the plate. You can use colored
pencils or pencil to show your output. Make sure you label them correctly.
Use a separate sheet.

B. OCEAN BASIN
Directions: Label the different topographic features associated with the ocean
basin. Use the following label for each feature. Materials needed: pencil, ruler,
crayon (optional)

a. Continental shelf.
b. Continental Slope
c. Continental Rise
d. Mid- Oceanic Ridges
e. Ocean Floor
Activity 3 My Reflection!
Directions: Study the lyrics of the song, A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Get ready to
reflect on the song and be prepared to answer the guide's questions.
I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?

I can open your eyes

Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride

A whole new world

A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us, "No"
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world

A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
(Now I'm in a whole new world with you)

Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

A whole new world (don't you dare close your eyes)

A hundred thousand things to see (hold your breath, it gets better)
I'm like a shooting star, I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be

A whole new world

With new horizons to pursue
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world (a whole new world)

A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us, "No"
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A whole new world (every turn, a surprise)

With new horizons to pursue (every moment, red-letter)
I'll chase them anywhere, there's time to spare
And then we're home (there's time to spare)

Let me share this whole new world with you

A whole new world (a whole new world)
That's where we'll be (that's where we'll be)
A thrilling chase (a wondrous place)
For you and me

Guide Questions

1. Which lines in the lyrics relate to the lesson?

2. What is the message of the song?

3. Name adjectives describing the features of the earth from the lyrics.

4. What is your understanding of the lesson?

5. Do you think our planet exists as time evolves, leading to a "NEW

WORLD"?

6. What ways can you do to preserve the beauty of the Earth's surface
formations?

7. Do you think that the different formation of oceanic and continental

crust is beneficial? Yes or no. Justify your answer.

8. Suggest ways to preserve the Earth's diverse surface formation?

 Deepen

Assessment 3: Do It in Action! Fill Me In!

Directions: Complete the table by specifying the missing terms/statement

related to each item.

A. Plate Boundary Description Land Formation Examples

Formed
1.Divergent
boundary
2. Plates that move
toward each
other
3. Fault San Andres
Fault

B. Stages of Ocean Description Examples

Evolution
1. Embryonic

2. Thermal subsidence,
horizontal extension
(Spreading )
3. Mature

4. Eastern Indian
Ocean
5. Terminal
 Gauge

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Choose the best answer. Write your
answer on a separate sheet.

For Numbers 1-5. Choose from the choices given at which stage of evolution the
example can best be categorized.

A. Embryonic
B. Juvenile
C. Mature
D. Declining
E. Terminal

1. East Africa (active), Gulf of Seas (active)

2. Pacific Ocean, Eastern Indian Ocean

3. Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea

4. Red Sea, Gulf of Aden

5. Atlantic Ocean, Arctic, Western Indian Ocean

6. The Wilson cycle of the evolution of the ocean basin is named after
A. Canadian geophysicist J. Tuzo Wilson
B. German geophysicist T. Lazo Wilson
C. Italian geophysicist M. TAzo Wilson
D. American geophysicist R. Taza Wilson

7. Where is the ocean basin located?

A. above the sea level
B. below the sea level
C. both A and B
D. Neither A or B

8.Where do tectonics plates float?

A. outer core
B. Inner core
C. asthenosphere or mantle
D. lithosphere
9. Where does most earthquakes happen?
A. fault
B. volcanic mountains
C. Pacific Ring of Fire
D. mid-ocean ridge

10. What plate boundary where plates move away from each other?
A. divergent B. convergent C. transform D. shear boundary

11. How do the plates move at a transform boundary?

A. They move toward each other.
B. They move past each other.
C. They move away from each other.
D. They do not move.

12. What kind of plate boundary results to the formation of a fault line like the
San Andreas fault in California?
A. divergent boundary
B. transform or shear boundary
C. convergent boundary
D. none of the above

13 What kind of plate boundary causes sea floor spreading like the one causing
the Atlantic Ocean to widen?
A. divergent boundary
B. transform or shear boundary
C. convergent boundary
D. none of the above

14. What kind of plate boundary results to the formation of a mountain range
like the Himalayas and the Appalachian mountains?
A. divergent boundary
B. transform or shear boundary
C. convergent boundary
D. none of the above

15. What kind of plate boundary results to a trench like the Marianas Trench?
A. divergent boundary
B. transform or shear boundary
C. convergent boundary
D. none of the above