You are walking on the beach along the south- coast of Alaska. You see rocks cut by numerous faults that consist of basalt with evidence of eruption in the ocean, deep- water chert, mudstone, and sandstones with abundant volcanic material. What tectonic setting would you assign to these rocks?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of basalt with evidence of eruption in the ocean, deep-water chert, mudstone, and sandstones with abundant volcanic material suggests that these rocks were formed in an active tectonic setting. The accretionary wedge is a geologic setting where oceanic crust is being subducted under a continent or another oceanic plate, which can result in the formation of a variety of rock types such as those described in the scenario. The other options do not fit the description of the rock types observed.

You Are Walking on the Beach Along the South- Coast