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The idea that the continents were once one super-continent and subsequently moved apart is the basis of the theory of continental drift. Continental drift was first proposed as a scientific hypothesis with evidences by Alfred Wegener early in the twentieth century. Unfortunately, the evidence he was able to cite, such as similarities in coastline geographies and fossils on either side of the Atlantic, did not provide an explanation for the mechanism which caused it to happen. In Wegener's theory, the continents were somehow able to plow through the oceans. It wasn't until the mid-twentieth century that the Atlantic Ridge system was discovered. Further investigation revealed that the magnetic orientation of rock on either side of the ridge matched the orientation on the other side of the ridge, providing the proof for the mechanism that caused the continents to move apart. Basaltic magma was infilling the area on either side of the ridge to create new continental crust. Subduction of older, denser oceanic crust takes place at collision zones where it meets less dense oceanic and continental crust. The whole process is driven by gravity and heat from the Earth's interior via convection currents in the mantle. The process is no longer called continental drift, but is referred to as plate tectonics.
Alfred Wagner's theory was that the sea floor was spreading, causing the continents to 'drift'. The theory was originally tossed aside because the fact that the continents fitted together was not sufficient.
What else can I help you with?
What are two things that support the continental drift theory?
Two things that supports the continental drift theory are; 1. Fossil. 2. Continent Shapes.
How does coal help support the theory of continental drift?
It supports the theory because it can be found on all of the continents.
What theory replaced Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?
I think that continetal drift replaced his theory
What was the continental drift theory replaced by in 1967?
The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.
Why is cynognathus a good candidate for providing evidence for the continental drift theory?
Cynognathus is a good candidate for providing evidence for the continental drift theory because its fossil has been found in both South America and Africa, which were once connected in the supercontinent Gondwana. This distribution pattern supports the idea of continental drift, as it suggests that these continents were once joined together and later drifted apart.
What are two things that support the continental drift theory?
Two things that supports the continental drift theory are; 1. Fossil. 2. Continent Shapes.
What theory supports the idea of the continental drift?
the breaking down of pangea
How does coal help support the theory of continental drift?
It supports the theory because it can be found on all of the continents.
Which theory supports the idea of continental drift?
The theory of plate tectonics supports the idea of continental drift. It suggests that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into large plates that move over the asthenosphere, which explains the movement of continents over time.
What theory replaced Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?
I think that continetal drift replaced his theory
Why is the continental drift theory a theory and not a scientific law?
The Continental Drift theory is a theory because there is no evidence to support it. Alfred Wegener developed the Continental Drift theory in the 1800's.
What was the continental drift theory replaced by in 1967?
The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.
What is the volcanic and the drift continental theory?
the Continental Drift Theory is the slow movement of the Earths continents. A.K.A the continents drift
When you right continental drift does it have to be capitalized?
No, only Continental Drift Theory.
Fossils on one continent may be similar to fossils on another continent. This observation supports which theory?
It supports the continental drift.
The presence of the same on several continents supports the hypothesis of continental drift.?
Yes, the presence of the same organisms on multiple continents suggests that at some point in the past, those continents were connected. This supports the theory of continental drift, which explains how landmasses have moved over time. The distribution of these similar organisms across different continents provides additional evidence for this theory.
The theory that continents can drift apart from oneanother?
Continental Drift
