answersLogoWhite

0

earthquakes and volcanoes

Do you know how to explain the theory of the continental drift?

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

In what two ways is the plate tectonics theory different from the ideas of continental drift?

The plate tectonics theory includes the concept of sea-floor spreading, which explains how new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges. It also incorporates the idea of subduction zones, where one tectonic plate moves beneath another into the mantle. These concepts were not part of Alfred Wegener's original theory of continental drift.


When did Alfred Wegener find out about Continental Drift?

Alfred Wegener developed the theory of Continental Drift in the early 1900s, but it was not widely accepted until much later. He presented his ideas in 1912 and published his theory in a book titled "The Origin of Continents and Oceans" in 1915. Wegener's work laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics.


Alfred Wegener's continental drift hypothesis?

Alfred Wegener proposed the continental drift hypothesis in 1912, suggesting that continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea and drifted to their current positions. Despite facing skepticism initially, his ideas laid the foundation for the theory of plate tectonics, which explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


How many scientists accept Alfred wegener's continental drift theory?

Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory has subsequently been honed by scientific discoveries to the more all-inclusive plate tectonic theory which is generally accepted by earth scientists.


When was the theory of plate tectonics developed?

The theory of plate tectonics was developed during the 1960s, based on earlier ideas from the early 20th century. It revolutionized our understanding of the Earth's structure and dynamics by proposing that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several large, rigid plates that move relative to each other.

Related Questions

In what ways is the plate tectonics theory different from the ideas of continental drift?

k


What is the 'theory of plate tectonics?

The theory of plate tectonics says that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into "plates" that are determined by overall movement.The theory combines ideas on seafloor spreading and continental drift


In what two ways is the plate tectonics theory different from the ideas of continental drift?

The plate tectonics theory includes the concept of sea-floor spreading, which explains how new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges. It also incorporates the idea of subduction zones, where one tectonic plate moves beneath another into the mantle. These concepts were not part of Alfred Wegener's original theory of continental drift.


When did Alfred Wegener find out about Continental Drift?

Alfred Wegener developed the theory of Continental Drift in the early 1900s, but it was not widely accepted until much later. He presented his ideas in 1912 and published his theory in a book titled "The Origin of Continents and Oceans" in 1915. Wegener's work laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics.


What two ways is the plate tectonic theory different from the ideas of the continental drift?

The plate tectonic theory expands on the idea of continental drift by incorporating the movement of the Earth's lithosphere into rigid plates. This theory also explains how these plates interact at their boundaries, causing phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity. In contrast, continental drift primarily focused on the movement of continents across the Earth's surface without explaining the mechanism behind it.


Who was the German Meteorologist who pioneered the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics?

The German meteorologist who pioneered the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics is Alfred Wegener. In 1912, he proposed the idea that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. Wegener's work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of plate tectonics, although his ideas were initially met with skepticism until further evidence emerged in the mid-20th century.


What time does ice ages continental drift starts?

The theory of continental drift, which later led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics, was first proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912. Wegener's ideas about the movement of continents and the concept of Pangea eventually paved the way for understanding how Earth's continents have shifted over time.


Whose ideas later assisted in the recognition if Wegener's theory?

Arthur Holmes's ideas in the 1920s about mantle convection and radioactive heating helped support Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift by providing a mechanism for how the continents could move. This helped pave the way for the eventual acceptance of Wegener's ideas as the theory of plate tectonics.


Why was Alfred Wegners continental drift theory ignored?

Alfred Wegner's continental drift theory was ignored because he didn't have enough proof to show everyone that tectonic plates were moving. The supercontinent Pangaea sounded like a big fantasy to everyone back then.


What 2 ideas were combined in the theory of plate tectonics?

The theory of plate tectonics combines the ideas of continental drift and seafloor spreading. Continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener, suggested that continents were once joined and have since moved apart. Seafloor spreading, introduced by Harry Hess, described how new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and pushes older crust away. Together, these concepts explain the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and the dynamic nature of the planet's surface.


Did John Tuzo Williams contribute to Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory?

No, John Tuzo Wilson did not contribute to Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory. Williams was a geophysicist known for his research on plate tectonics, which built upon Wegener's ideas. He helped further develop the theory by proposing the concept of transform faults and the Wilson Cycle.


What awards did Alfred Wegener receive?

Alfred Wegener did not receive any awards during his lifetime for his theory of continental drift. However, his ideas laid the foundation for the development of the theory of plate tectonics, which has since revolutionized the field of Earth science.