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The theory of plate tectonics has succumbed to the newer theory of continental drift. Scientists believe this theory today due to three main factors. First, the continents appear to fit together. When the continental shelves, as opposed to just the continents, are placed together, the fit appears uncanny. Second, the distribution of fossils is consistent with continental drift. Lastly, glacial deposits once covered parts of the earth that are currently tropical.

ANSWER: The plate tectonics theory is relatively new and formulated only in the 1960s. The evidence listed above in the first answer can only support the continental drift theory which was developed by Alfred Wegener in 1912. Evidence that can support the plate tectonics theory are the age, depth of oceanic sediments, volcanic activity, geothermal gradient, gravity anomalies, paleomagnetism and seismologic evidence. If you are answering an exam question on evidence supporting plate tectonics, evidence supporting continental drift theory should only come later in your answer and should not be given too much emphasis, for the plate tectonics theory involves more than just the continental crust drifting around and cannot support the main hypotheses of the plate tectonics theory.

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Laurie Hammes

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3y ago

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