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The continental drift theory, initially proposed by Alfred Wegener, was challenged primarily due to the lack of a mechanism to explain how continents could move. Over time, the discovery of plate tectonics provided a scientific framework that clarified that continents are part of tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. This new understanding demonstrated that continental movement is driven by forces such as mantle convection, ridge push, and slab pull, effectively validating the movement of continents rather than disproving the concept of continental drift itself. Thus, while Wegener's original idea lacked support, the broader theory of plate tectonics incorporates and expands upon his observations.

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Who proved continental drift?

The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, in the early 20th century. While Wegener did not prove continental drift definitively during his lifetime, his theory laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics. The definitive proof of plate tectonics came from advancements in seafloor mapping and paleomagnetism in the mid-20th century, which provided strong evidence for the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


What discovery helped to prove that alfred wegner's theory of continental drift was possible?

The discovery of seafloor spreading and magnetic striping on the ocean floor in the 1960s provided compelling evidence for Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift. This process showed how new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and helps move the continents apart, supporting the idea that continents are not fixed but can drift over time.


How did the glossopteris prove continental drift?

The presence of glossopteris fossils in regions that are now widely separated provided evidence for continental drift. This plant species was found in South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, and Australia, suggesting that these landmasses were once part of a single supercontinent. The distribution of glossopteris fossils supported the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener.


How Wegener try to prove the theory of continental drift?

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912. He collected evidence from various fields, such as the fit of continental coastlines, matching rock types and structures across continents, and similar fossil distributions. However, his theory was not widely accepted until decades later when the concept of plate tectonics provided a mechanism for how continents could move.


How did the seafloor spreading help prove the continental drift?

Seafloor spreading provided evidence for continental drift by showing that new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, pushing older crust away. This process helped explain how continents could move and supported the idea of plate tectonics. The pattern of magnetic stripes on the seafloor also matched with predictions based on the movement of continents, further supporting the theory of continental drift.

Related Questions

Why were most scientists disagreeing with Alfred Wegeners continental drift theory?

There was no evidence to prove it


What did Alfred Weneger try to prove?

Alfred Weneger was trying to prove his theory of Continental Drift. Many other scientists before him had the same theory, but they never could prove it. He had five pieces of evidence.


Did seafloor spreading prove the theory of continental drift?

Yes, seafloor spreading provided concrete evidence for the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener. It demonstrated that new oceanic crust was continuously forming at mid-ocean ridges, pushing the continents apart over time. This supported the idea that continents were once connected and have since moved to their current positions.


What was wegner not able to solve in order to explain how his theory worked?

wegner was not able to prove how the continents move so his theory of continental drift got rejected.


Who proved continental drift?

The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, in the early 20th century. While Wegener did not prove continental drift definitively during his lifetime, his theory laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics. The definitive proof of plate tectonics came from advancements in seafloor mapping and paleomagnetism in the mid-20th century, which provided strong evidence for the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


How does the Petoskey Stone help prove the Theory of Continental drift?

It is another example that helps scientists with their theory that all of Earth's landmasses (land) were/was once connected. WOOOOOOOOOT WOOOOOOOOOOT


Do the sinking of mid-ocean ridges into the ocean trenches prove the Continental Drift theory?

The sinking of mid-ocean ridges into ocean trenches does not directly prove the Continental Drift theory. However, it supports the theory by providing evidence of plate tectonics and the movement of tectonic plates. The theory of plate tectonics explains how continents move and interact with each other over time.


How did Alfred Wegener prove the theory of continental drift?

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century, suggesting that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart. He provided evidence through geological and fossil similarities across continents, as well as matching coastlines and rock formations. Despite facing initial skepticism, his work laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics.


What discovery helped to prove that alfred wegner's theory of continental drift was possible?

The discovery of seafloor spreading and magnetic striping on the ocean floor in the 1960s provided compelling evidence for Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift. This process showed how new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and helps move the continents apart, supporting the idea that continents are not fixed but can drift over time.


How did the glossopteris prove continental drift?

The presence of glossopteris fossils in regions that are now widely separated provided evidence for continental drift. This plant species was found in South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, and Australia, suggesting that these landmasses were once part of a single supercontinent. The distribution of glossopteris fossils supported the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener.


What is seafloor spreading that ''helps'' the theory of continental drift?

How seafloor spreading helps to explain the theory of continental drift is that wegener couldn't explain why and waht force caused the continents to move and so seafloor spreading helps to explain the theory of continental drift because it shows the force that made the continents move and that was te only thing that wagener needed to prove his theory of continental drift............thanks


What is Alfred wengeners first discover as an scientist?

Alfred Has Been Working On The Contintal Drift For A Long Time And Scientist Are Stilll Trying To Prove The Continental Drift. So The Continental Drift Is His First Discovery...,(:.!? --- Jocelyn !!