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Continental drift theory proposed that continents had drifted apart due to tectonic forces, while plate tectonic theory expanded this idea to include the concept of lithospheric plates moving over the Earth's mantle. Through advancements in technology and the accumulation of evidence from various scientific fields, the two theories were unified into plate tectonics, which explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere and the formation of features like mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

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How are tectonic plate movements similar?

"Plate tectonics" is a fancy word for "Continental Drift". In both theories the continents move.


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.


What question does the theory of plate tectonics answer that the theory of continental drift couldn't?

The theory of plate tectonics answers how and why the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large tectonic plates that move around on the asthenosphere. It explains the mechanisms driving the movement of these plates, such as seafloor spreading and subduction, which were not fully addressed in the theory of continental drift.


Describe the relationship of continental drift and plate tectonics?

Continental drift is the theory that the Earth's continents have moved over time due to the movement of tectonic plates. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements and interactions of Earth's lithosphere. Continental drift was one of the key pieces of evidence that led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics.


Why are tectonic plates considered to be a unifying theory?

Tectonic plates are considered a unifying theory because they explain various geological phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building, in a coherent manner. The theory helps scientists understand how Earth's surface is constantly changing and provides a framework for studying the interactions between different plates and the processes shaping our planet's landscapes.

Related Questions

How does the motion of the tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How are tectonic plate movements similar?

"Plate tectonics" is a fancy word for "Continental Drift". In both theories the continents move.


How does motion of tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How does the motion of tectonic plates relate continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving 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 are the Diastrophic movements of the earth?

*Plate tectonic theory *continental drift theory *convection theory *expansion theory theories of diastrophism and diastrophic movements of the earth have the same meaning


How is a mountain formed by colliding continental plates?

In theory, tectonic plates. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html


What is the difference between the continental drift theory and the theory of plate tectonic?

There is no difference, they are they same theory about the Earth's crust being divided and moving, they are just two different names that people call it.


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.


Can you use the word continental drift in a sentence?

Continental Drift is causing the continents to move around.


When was Unified Theory - album - created?

Unified Theory - album - was created on 2000-08-15.


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.