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From one super continent (Pangea) to their present postitions (they are still moving) is Continental Drift. It wasn't until the 1960s that scientists infact named it 'Plate Tectonics'. - earth's crust is made up of a number of large, rigid plates - these plates floats on the mantle - mantle contains convection currents that cause the molten fluid to move and circulate - causing the floating crust above to move - plates can therefore move around - about 1.5 inches per year

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The older theory of continental drift suggested?

that the continents were once all connected as one supercontinent, called Pangaea, which broke apart and drifted to their current positions over millions of years. This theory eventually led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics to explain the movement of Earth's large landmasses.


How are seafloor spreading and continental drift related?

Seafloor spreading is a key component of the theory of continental drift. As new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges during seafloor spreading, it pushes the existing crust outward on both sides of the ridge. This movement can help explain how continents have shifted positions over time due to the movement of tectonic plates.


What could wegener not satisfactorily explain about continental drift?

No


What does understanding plate tectonics?

Understanding plate tectonics helps explain the movement of Earth's lithosphere, including the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. It provides insight into how continents have shifted over time and how various geologic events are interconnected globally.


In 1912 Alfred wegener discovered and explained the movement of continents?

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912, suggesting that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. This theory laid the foundation for the modern understanding of plate tectonics and the movement of Earth's continents. Despite facing initial skepticism, Wegener's ideas were eventually accepted and revolutionized the field of geology.

Related Questions

Explain what force caused the movement of the continents from one super-continent to their present positions?

Continental drift :)


Does the theory fully explain the positions of the continents today?

no.i think it doesnt.


How climate clues help explain continents drift?

Climate clues such as glacial deposits and ancient sea level changes can help support the theory of continental drift by showing how certain landmasses were once connected and located in different positions on Earth. By looking at these climate indicators, scientists can reconstruct past climates and the movement of continents over millions of years. This evidence helps explain how continents have shifted and drifted to their current positions.


What does the theroy of plate tectonics explain?

it explains y there is volcanoes, earthquakes, and the movement of the continents


What is the main idea of continental drift?

The main idea of continental drift is that Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and have since moved apart over millions of years to their current positions due to the movement of tectonic plates. This theory helps to explain the matching geology and fossils found on continents separated by vast oceans.


Explain what is meant by the term Continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that Earth's continents were once all connected as a single supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart to their current positions over millions of years. This movement is driven by the slow shifting of tectonic plates that make up Earth's crust.


The older theory of continental drift suggested?

that the continents were once all connected as one supercontinent, called Pangaea, which broke apart and drifted to their current positions over millions of years. This theory eventually led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics to explain the movement of Earth's large landmasses.


How are seafloor spreading and continental drift related?

Seafloor spreading is a key component of the theory of continental drift. As new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges during seafloor spreading, it pushes the existing crust outward on both sides of the ridge. This movement can help explain how continents have shifted positions over time due to the movement of tectonic plates.


How did Wegener explain the way the continents moved?

Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that the continents were once connected in a single landmass called Pangaea. He proposed that the continents drifted apart over time due to the movement of the Earth's crustal plates.


Wegener thought that all continents where called?

Wegener believed that all continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea, which began breaking apart about 200 million years ago. He proposed the theory of continental drift to explain the movement of the continents over time.


What was the proposed hypothesis that is now called continental drift?

The proposed hypothesis that is now called continental drift suggested that Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass, which broke apart and drifted to their current positions over time due to the movement of tectonic plates. This idea later led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics to explain the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


Explain plate tections and the continential drift?

Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several large, rigid plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere layer below. Continental drift is the movement of these plates over geologic time, causing continents to drift apart or come together, leading to the changing positions of landmasses on Earth's surface. This movement is driven by processes like seafloor spreading, subduction, and mantle convection.