Passage: [Reference to Europa text above]

The author's mention of strike-slip faulting on Europa serves primarily to:

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Provide physical evidence supporting the existence of tectonic dynamics beyond Earth

  1. Step 1: Examine the context of the opening sentences: the author notes that plate tectonics was long thought to be unique to Earth, a view challenged by new observations on Europa.
  2. Step 2: Identify the specific role of mentioning strike-slip faulting: it provides direct observational geological evidence of tectonic activity on an extraterrestrial body.
  3. Step 3: Thus, the author mentions strike-slip faulting primarily to provide physical evidence supporting the existence of tectonic dynamics beyond Earth.
Answer
Provide physical evidence supporting the existence of tectonic dynamics beyond Earth.

Practise more Reading Comprehension.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed GMAT mock tests.