The idea that the continents were once one super-continent and subsequently moved apart is the basis of the theory of continental drift. Continental drift was first proposed as a scientific hypothesis with evidences by Alfred Wegener early in the twentieth century. Unfortunately, the evidence he was able to cite, such as similarities in coastline geographies and fossils on either side of the Atlantic, did not provide an explanation for the mechanism which caused it to happen. In Wegener's theory, the continents were somehow able to plow through the oceans. It wasn't until the mid-twentieth century that the Atlantic Ridge system was discovered. Further investigation revealed that the magnetic orientation of rock on either side of the ridge matched the orientation on the other side of the ridge, providing the proof for the mechanism that caused the continents to move apart. Basaltic magma was infilling the area on either side of the ridge to create new continental crust. Subduction of older, denser oceanic crust takes place at collision zones where it meets less dense oceanic and continental crust. The whole process is driven by gravity and heat from the Earth's interior via convection currents in the mantle. The process is no longer called continental drift, but is referred to as plate tectonics.
Alfred Wagner's theory was that the sea floor was spreading, causing the continents to 'drift'. The theory was originally tossed aside because the fact that the continents fitted together was not sufficient.
I think that continetal drift replaced his theory
The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.
The theory of plate tectonics is used to explain continental drift. It suggests that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that move and interact with each other, leading to the movement of continents over time. This theory helps explain phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.
Two main factors that led to the discontinuance of the theory of continental drift were the lack of a plausible mechanism to explain how continents could move and the rejection of continental drift by the majority of the scientific community at the time. Additionally, the theory faced significant opposition from influential geologists who favored alternative explanations for the geologic features observed.
Most scientists originally reject the theory of continental drift since it did clearly explain continents would move. This is a theory that has been established by Wegener and did not get good support initially.
yes becouse wenger is not geologist and he could not explain the how continental drift theory
the movement of the continent i :-)
yes! it is the continental drift theory.
I think that continetal drift replaced his theory
The Continental Drift theory is a theory because there is no evidence to support it. Alfred Wegener developed the Continental Drift theory in the 1800's.
The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.
The fundamental problem with Wegner's theory was that he couldn't explain a mechanism for the movement of plates.
the Continental Drift Theory is the slow movement of the Earths continents. A.K.A the continents drift
No, only Continental Drift Theory.
yes
yes
The theory of plate tectonics is used to explain continental drift. It suggests that the Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that move and interact with each other, leading to the movement of continents over time. This theory helps explain phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.