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Plate tectonics (from the Late Latin tectonicus, from the Greek: τεκτονικός "pertaining to building")[1] is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale motions of Earth's lithosphere. The theory builds on the concepts of continental drift, developed during the first decades of the 20th century. It was accepted by the geoscientific community after the concepts of seafloor spreading were developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s.Tectonic plates are composed of oceanic lithosphere and thicker continental lithosphere, each topped by its own kind of crust. Along convergent boundaries, subduction carries plates into the mantle; the material lost is roughly balanced by the formation of new (oceanic) crust along divergent margins by seafloor spreading. In this way, the total surface of the globe remains the same. This prediction of plate tectonics is also referred to as the conveyor belt principle. Earlier theories (that still have some supporters) proposed gradual shrinking (contraction) or gradual expansion of the globe.

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Who is credited with the plate tectonic theory?

The plate tectonic theory was primarily developed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. He proposed the idea of continental drift, which later laid the foundation for our modern understanding of plate tectonics.


What is the name of the scientist that came up with the theory of plate tectonic?

Alfred Wegener is the scientist credited with proposing the theory of plate tectonics in 1912, although his ideas were not widely accepted until later.


What is the therory that explains the movement of tectonic plates?

The crustal movement of the plates in the earth are not completely understood by scientist and considered a phenomenon. It is an accepted theory that the strength of the water in contrast to the weakness of the land make the movement of the plates.


How is plate tectonic theory different from continental drift theory?

They are actually part of the "same" theory. Seafloor spreading and subduction are the driving forces of continental drift. Pangaea was the Earth's only continent 4 billion years ago. Tectonic plates are small plates, while continent drift is several tectonic plates moving as a mass (continent). There are 21 large plates and dozens of smaller ones.


What concepts is part of the theory of plate tectonics?

Some key concepts of plate tectonics include the movement of Earth's lithosphere plates, the formation of various geological features like mountains and ocean basins, and the driving forces behind plate motion such as seafloor spreading and subduction. The theory helps explain phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and continental drift.

Related Questions

What is the theory that the lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move around?

That would be the theory of plate tectonics.


What is another name for the plate tectonic theory?

The Theory of Plate Tectonics?


What theory led to the plate tectonic theory?

James Hanslow


How did sonar contribute to the plate tectonic theory?

figure it out


What is the name of the theory that led to the development of the theory of plate tectonic?

squat-thrust


What Is the theory that the earths lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move around on top of the asthenosphere?

A theory that says the lithosphere is divided into plates that move around on top of the asthenosphere is called '' plate tectonics''


What does plate tectonic theory tell us?

Nothing, it's a theory, like evolution!


How does plate tectonic theory explains the distribution of mineral resources?

yes.


Who is considered the father o plate tectonic theory?

alfred wegner


Who is credited with the plate tectonic theory?

The plate tectonic theory was primarily developed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. He proposed the idea of continental drift, which later laid the foundation for our modern understanding of plate tectonics.


What was the theory proposed before the plate tectonic theory list 2 evidence in support of the the former theory?

god is angry


Fissures formation by plate tectonics theory?

Plate tectonics is the theory used to explain the structure of the Earth's various formations and plate boundaries between the major tectonic plates.