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Wegener's continental drift theory is supported by several key pieces of evidence, including the jigsaw-like fit of continents, particularly South America and Africa. Fossil evidence shows similar species, such as the Mesosaurus, found on widely separated continents. Additionally, geological formations and mountain ranges, like the Appalachian Mountains and the Caledonian Mountains in Scotland, display striking similarities, indicating they were once part of a single landmass. Lastly, paleoclimatic evidence, such as coal deposits in polar regions and glacial deposits in currently warm areas, suggests continents have shifted over geological time.

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What is the theory that plates have moved apart over tmie?

Alfred Wegeners 1912 theory of Plate tectonics and continental drift.


How long was it before new evidence emerged to support wegeners theory of the continental drift?

New evidence supporting Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift began to emerge in the late 1940s and early 1950s, approximately 30 years after he first proposed the theory in 1912. The development of plate tectonics, particularly the discovery of seafloor spreading and paleomagnetism, provided crucial evidence that validated Wegener's ideas. This shift in understanding revolutionized geosciences and established a comprehensive framework for explaining the movement of continents.


Does the oceanic plate theory provide evidence for continental drift?

Yes


Why was wegeners theory so different?

Wegener's theory of continental drift was different because it proposed that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and drifted apart over time. This was a radical idea at the time as it challenged the established belief of stationary continents. Wegener lacked a plausible mechanism to explain how continents moved, which led to skepticism from the scientific community until the development of plate tectonics theory.


What is wegeners hypothesis for continental drift?

Wegener's hypothesis for continental drift, proposed in the early 20th century, suggests that continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea, which gradually broke apart and drifted to their current positions. He based his hypothesis on evidence such as the fit of continental coastlines, similar geological features across continents, and fossil correlations. Despite presenting compelling evidence, Wegener's theory was initially met with skepticism due to the lack of a mechanism to explain how continents could move. It wasn't until the development of the theory of plate tectonics that his ideas gained widespread acceptance.

Related Questions

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

There was no evidence to prove it


Does the case of mesosaurus support wegeners theory of continental drift?

yes it does.


What evidence did Wegeners have to support his theory?

Fossils support his hypothesis.


What is the theory that plates have moved apart over tmie?

Alfred Wegeners 1912 theory of Plate tectonics and continental drift.


Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift was replaced in 1967 by which theory that supported his idea continents move?

plate tectonics


Why was wegeners theory of continental drift not accepted at first?

It was not excepted because they didn't believe him at all until it was proven!


How long was it before new evidence emerged to support wegeners theory of the continental drift?

New evidence supporting Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift began to emerge in the late 1940s and early 1950s, approximately 30 years after he first proposed the theory in 1912. The development of plate tectonics, particularly the discovery of seafloor spreading and paleomagnetism, provided crucial evidence that validated Wegener's ideas. This shift in understanding revolutionized geosciences and established a comprehensive framework for explaining the movement of continents.


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 weakness of wegeners proposal of continental drift?

One weakness of Wegener's proposal of continental drift was the lack of a mechanism to explain how continents could move. Additionally, Wegener's theory was not widely accepted at the time due to insufficient supporting evidence and the reluctance of the scientific community to accept such a radical idea.


Why did other scientists not accept Alfred Wegeners theory?

why did other scientist not accpet Alfred Wegeners theory


Why was wegeners theory of continental drift?

While geological research during the sixties had shed new light into the theory, it was J. Tuzo Wilson's proposal of a mechanism for continental drift what led to widespread acceptance of the theory. Proposing a feasible mechanism was something Wegener himself had failed to do, he had only proposed some evidence (complementary Coastlines and fossil distributions across continents.) and falsified mechanisms (like Earth's centrifugal pseudoforce).


What discovery caused scientists to rethink wegeners continental drift theory?

The discovery of mid-ocean ridges and the process of seafloor spreading in the 1960s caused scientists to rethink Wegener's theory of continental drift. This new evidence provided a mechanism for how continents could move apart and lent support to the concept of plate tectonics as the driving force behind the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.