What is the approximate velocity of the Pacific Plate relative to the Nazca Plate. 100 mm per year, 5 mm per year, 20 mm per year or 40 mm per year?

Question

What is the approximate velocity of the Pacific Plate relative to the Nazca Plate.

100 mm per year, 5 mm per year, 20 mm per year or 40 mm per year?

Answer 1

Hi Jasmine,

This might help point you in the right direction;

1. If the Pacific Plate is still and the Nazca Plate is moving, then the velocity of the Nazca plate is approximately 40-53mm per year.
2. In contrary, if the Nazca Place is still and the Pacific Plate is moving, then the velocity of the Pacific Plate is 56-102mm per year.
3. Now, if both the Nazca Plate and the Pacific Plate are moving in opposite directions (away from each other), then the velocity relative to each other is approximately 96-153mm per year.

I hope this helps! Best of luck!

Alcir