Question

Wilson orogenic cycle in continents is initiated by

• A. collision
• B. rifting
• C. drifting
• D. subduction

Hint:

The Wilson cycle describes the lifecycle of ocean basins and mountain-building processes, beginning with continental rifting.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Wilson cycle.
The Wilson orogenic cycle describes the process of continental rifting, drifting, collision, and mountain-building. It starts with rifting, where a continent begins to break apart, leading to the formation of a new ocean.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) collision: Collision occurs later in the cycle when two continents converge to form a mountain range.
(B) rifting: This is the correct answer. The Wilson cycle begins with rifting, which leads to the formation of an ocean basin.
(C) drifting: Drifting occurs after rifting and during the separation of continents.
(D) subduction: Subduction is part of the cycle but occurs later when oceanic crust is consumed at plate boundaries.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) rifting because the Wilson cycle begins with the rifting of continents.