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Sea floor spreading provides a way for the continents to move over Earth's surface. Continents are carried by the widening sea floor. The molten rock from a rift cools, hardens, and then moves away in the opposite directions on both sides of the ridges. hope this helps :)

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How sea floor spreading provides a mechanism by which continents move?

Sea floor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise to the surface, solidify, and form new oceanic crust. As new crust is created, it pushes the existing crust away from the ridge, effectively moving the continents on the plates they sit. This process is part of the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how continents drift and change positions over time.


What two forces did Alfred Wegener suggest were responsible for the movement of the continents?

Alfred Wegener suggested that the two forces responsible for the movement of continents were continental drift (the movement of continents across Earth's surface) and sea-floor spreading (the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges).


How does seafloor spreading help scientists explain continental drift?

If one can prove that the sea floor spreads out from the mid oceanic ridges, then logically the continents must be moving apart to accommodate the spreading. Conversely there must also be places where sea floor is being destroyed if the Earth is to stay the same size.


How much of the Earths surface is covered by the continents?

Approximately 30% of the Earth's surface is covered by land, the remaining 70% of the surface is covered by water.


Does scientists think that the drifting of the continents is part of a repeating cycle?

Yes, scientists support the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how the continents have drifted and continue to do so. The movement of the Earth's plates is driven by processes such as seafloor spreading and subduction, which are part of a cycle that has occurred over millions of years. The movement of continents is not exactly repetitive but rather a continuous process that shapes the Earth's surface.

Related Questions

How is seafloor spreading different than continental drift?

Seafloor spreading is the process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and then moves apart, while continental drift refers to the movement of continents on the Earth's surface. Seafloor spreading is one mechanism that helps drive the movement of continents as part of plate tectonics.


What hypothesis that the continents have moved slowly to their current location?

its Continental drift


How sea floor spreading provides a mechanism by which continents move?

Sea floor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise to the surface, solidify, and form new oceanic crust. As new crust is created, it pushes the existing crust away from the ridge, effectively moving the continents on the plates they sit. This process is part of the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how continents drift and change positions over time.


Think critically The ideas of Hess Wegener and others emphasize that earth is a dynamic planet. How is seafloor spreading different from continental drift?

Seafloor spreading refers to the process where new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outward, pushing the continents apart. Continental drift, on the other hand, is the idea that the continents are slowly moving across the Earth's surface. Seafloor spreading is a mechanism that helps explain how continents drift apart as part of the larger theory of plate tectonics.


How the position of the continents has changed over time?

The position of continents has changed over time due to plate tectonics. Continents have moved through processes like seafloor spreading, where new crust forms at mid-ocean ridges, and subduction, where crust is pulled back into the Earth’s mantle. Over millions of years, these movements have created the current positions of the continents on Earth’s surface.


What two forces did Alfred Wegener suggest were responsible for the movement of the continents?

Alfred Wegener suggested that the two forces responsible for the movement of continents were continental drift (the movement of continents across Earth's surface) and sea-floor spreading (the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges).


What information did Wegener not have?

Alfred Wegener did not have a mechanism to explain how continents could move across the Earth's surface. He proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century, but it wasn't until the development of plate tectonics in the 1960s that a satisfactory explanation for the movement of continents was provided.


What percentage of the earths surface do the continents represent?

Continents cover about 29% of the Earth's surface area. The rest of the surface is predominantly ocean.


How much of the Earth's surface do the continents cover?

Continents cover about 29% of Earth's surface. The rest is mostly covered by oceans.


How does seafloor spreading help scientists explain continental drift?

If one can prove that the sea floor spreads out from the mid oceanic ridges, then logically the continents must be moving apart to accommodate the spreading. Conversely there must also be places where sea floor is being destroyed if the Earth is to stay the same size.


How much of the Earths surface is covered by the continents?

Approximately 30% of the Earth's surface is covered by land, the remaining 70% of the surface is covered by water.


The movement of these reshape the earth?

Tectonic plates are responsible for reshaping the earth's surface through movements such as subduction, spreading, and collision. These movements can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and oceanic trenches.