✨ VIPSolutions

Certainly! Let's analyze each description carefully and determine which ophiolite suites or complexes they correspond to. I'll go step-by-step with explanations. --- ### 1. Fragments of oceanic lithosphere emplaced on a continent **Explanation:** - These are pieces of oceanic crust and upper mantle that have been tectonically transported and accreted onto continental crust. - Such fragments are known as **ophiolites**. - Ophiolites are typically found in **ophiolite complexes** or **ophiolite suites**, representing slices of oceanic lithosphere. **Answer:** - **Ophiolite Suites or Complexes**: **Ophiolite complexes** (e.g., the Troodos Ophiolite in Cyprus, the Semail Ophiolite in Oman). --- ### 2. Wedge-shaped packages of sediments that form at passive margins **Explanation:** - At passive continental margins, sediments accumulate in a wedge-shaped formation called a **sedimentary wedge** or **accretionary wedge**. - These are not directly related to ophiolites but are important features of sedimentary processes at passive margins. - Since the question asks about "ophiolite suites or complexes," this description pertains more to **sedimentary deposits** rather than ophiolites. **Answer:** - Not an ophiolite suite; this describes **sedimentary wedges** at passive margins, not an ophiolite complex. --- ### 3. Micro-continents that have traveled a long distance **Explanation:** - Microcontinents are small crustal fragments that have been detached and transported by tectonic processes. - They can sometimes be associated with ophiolites if they include fragments of oceanic crust. - These micro-continents may be part of **ophiolite complexes** or **ophiolitic fragments** if they contain oceanic crustal material. **Answer:** - **Micro-continents** (not a specific ophiolite suite, but can include ophiolitic material if they contain oceanic crust). --- ### 4. Groups of seafloor magnetic anomalies **Explanation:** - These are patterns of magnetic polarity recorded in oceanic crust, used to study seafloor spreading. - They are associated with **oceanic crust formation** and are characteristic of **oceanic ridge systems**. - These anomalies are not ophiolites themselves but are indicative of oceanic crust's magnetic history. **Answer:** - Not an ophiolite suite; instead, they are **magnetic anomaly groups** used to study seafloor spreading. --- ## Summary of Which apply: | Description | Applies to Ophiolite Suites or Complexes? | Explanation | |--------------|----------------------------------------|--------------| | Fragments of oceanic lithosphere emplaced on a continent | **Yes** | These are classic ophiolites. | | Wedge-shaped packages of sediments at passive margins | **No** | Sedimentary features, not ophiolites. | | Micro-continents that have traveled a long distance | **Partially** | May include ophiolitic material, but not a formal ophiolite suite. | | Groups of seafloor magnetic anomalies | **No** | Related to oceanic crust, but not ophiolites. | --- ## Final notes: - The **best fit** for ophiolite suites or complexes is **"Fragments of oceanic lithosphere emplaced on a continent"**. - These are often studied as ophiolites because they are accessible exposures of oceanic crust. --- **In conclusion:** **The primary ophiolite suite or complex that applies is:** **Fragments of oceanic lithosphere emplaced on a continent.**