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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.
What else can I help you with?
What theory replaced Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?
I think that continetal drift replaced his theory
What was the continental drift theory replaced by in 1967?
The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.
Scientific theory that attempts to explain continental drift?
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.
What 2 factors led to the discontinuance of the theory of the continental drift?
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.
Why did most scientists originally reject the theory of continental drift?
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.
Why was the continental drift rejected by scientists?
yes becouse wenger is not geologist and he could not explain the how continental drift theory
What does the theory of continental drift state explain?
the movement of the continent i :-)
Is there another theory that may explain the positions of the continent today?
yes! it is the continental drift theory.
What theory replaced Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift?
I think that continetal drift replaced his theory
Why is the continental drift theory a theory and not a scientific law?
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.
What was the continental drift theory replaced by in 1967?
The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics.
What was the problem with the Continental drift theory?
The fundamental problem with Wegner's theory was that he couldn't explain a mechanism for the movement of plates.
What is the volcanic and the drift continental theory?
the Continental Drift Theory is the slow movement of the Earths continents. A.K.A the continents drift
When you right continental drift does it have to be capitalized?
No, only Continental Drift Theory.
Did scientists reject the theory of continental drift because the theory failed to explain why rocks on different continents looked the same?
yes
Did scientist reject the theory of continental drift because the theory failed to explain why rocks on different continents looked the same?
yes
Scientific theory that attempts to explain continental drift?
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.
