The continental drift theory gained widespread acceptance in the 1960s, primarily due to the development of the theory of plate tectonics. This new understanding provided a comprehensive framework explaining the movement of continents and the mechanisms driving it, such as seafloor spreading and subduction. The integration of geological, paleontological, and geophysical evidence during this decade solidified the scientific community's acceptance of the concept.
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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.
Some scientists initially doubted the theory of continental drift due to a lack of plausible mechanism to explain how continents could move. Additionally, the scientific community was initially resistant to the idea proposed by Alfred Wegener, as it challenged existing geological paradigms. It wasn't until the development of plate tectonics in the 1960s that continental drift gained widespread acceptance in the scientific community.
The discovery of ocean floor spreading provided key evidence for the theory of plate tectonics, explaining how the Earth's lithosphere is broken into plates that move over the asthenosphere. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of the Earth's geology and helped explain processes like continental drift, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
Marie Tharp's contribution to plate tectonics was the creation of the first scientific map of the ocean floor that revealed the existence of a mid-ocean ridge and deep-sea trenches. Her mapping work provided critical evidence in support of the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics.
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It was extremely obvious to those who possess any shred of intelligence.
Marie Tharp's new discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge was initially met with skepticism by the scientific community, as her findings challenged existing theories of plate tectonics. However, as more evidence emerged supporting her mapping of the ocean floor, her work was eventually accepted and revolutionized the field of geology. Tharp's discovery provided crucial evidence for the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics.
Alfred Wegener was the proponent of the Continental Drift Theory. The scientific community accepted this theory due to the phenomena of paleomagnetism, sea floor spreading 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.
Some scientists initially doubted the theory of continental drift due to a lack of plausible mechanism to explain how continents could move. Additionally, the scientific community was initially resistant to the idea proposed by Alfred Wegener, as it challenged existing geological paradigms. It wasn't until the development of plate tectonics in the 1960s that continental drift gained widespread acceptance in the scientific community.
The acceptance of new scientific discoveries can vary significantly depending on the nature of the discovery and the prevailing scientific paradigms. For example, the acceptance of plate tectonics took several decades after it was first proposed in the early 20th century, as it challenged established views of geology. Similarly, the discovery of the heliocentric model by Copernicus faced resistance for centuries before gaining widespread acceptance. In general, the scientific community may take years to decades to fully accept a discovery, often requiring substantial evidence and shifts in understanding.
No. The vast majority of geologists rejected Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift. it was not until more than 25 years after Wegener's death that the scientific community began to accept plate tectonics.
I think it was in 1912 that Alfred Wegner, from Germany, proposed the idea of continental drift and followed up on this idea in 1915 with his book "The Origin of Continents and Oceans". The established scientific community scoffed at the theory since there was no way to confirm such ideas at the time. In the 1920's, English Geologist Artur Holmes proposed that the continental seams, or junctions, lay at the bottom of the oceans. Again, unconfirmable at the time. Sometime in the mid 1950's the discovery of variable magnetic field directions, in rocks of different ages, became the first evidence that crust plates did move about. That discovery led to the acceptance of Wegner and Holmes work and the main stream scientific community jumped on the plate tectonics band wagon. Deep sea research in the 60's aided in the development of Plate Tectonics and by the end of the 60's, as we were landing on the moon, the Theory of Plate Tectonics became universally accepted.
continental drift is caused by plate tectonics
Research on the sea floor, such as magnetic striping and age dating of rocks, provided strong evidence for plate tectonics and continental drift in the second half of the 1900s. These findings helped to change scientific thought, as they demonstrated the movement of lithospheric plates and provided a mechanism for how continents move and interact on Earth's surface. This research revolutionized our understanding of Earth's geology and led to the acceptance of the theory of plate tectonics in the scientific community.
Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains how the Earth's outer shell is divided into several large, rigid plates that move and interact with each other. Continental drift is the idea that continents have moved and shifted positions over time. The relationship between plate tectonics and continental drift is that plate tectonics provides the mechanism for how continents drift and move around the Earth's surface. The movement of the plates causes the continents to shift and change positions, supporting the concept of continental drift.