15 Questions
What theory did Alfred Wegener develop?
Theory of continental drift
When did Alfred Wegener pass away?
1930
What new evidence excited a new generation of geologic investigators?
Young volcanic rock along a submerged mountain range
What did the scientist find in the Atlantic Ocean that was a key clue in solving the mystery?
Young volcanic rock along a submerged mountain range
Why was there a heightened interest in mapping the ocean floor after World War II?
Due to the use of submarines in battle
What did investigators find on the ocean floor that provided critical clues to solving 'The Mystery of the Drifting Continents'?
Young volcanic rock formations
What term is used to describe cracks in the earth's crust according to the text?
'Cracks in the lithosphere'
What was the significance of discovering cracks in the earth's crust, or lithosphere, as mentioned in the text?
It indicated that the lithosphere could move on the surface of the earth.
How did scientists determine the location of the Earth's magnetic poles according to the text?
By observing the alignment of iron oxides in new lithosphere formations.
What evidence supported the idea of seafloor spreading as described in the text?
Age differences in volcanic rocks near and far from mid-ocean ridges.
What did studying accumulated earthquake data reveal to scientists, as mentioned in the text?
The correlation between faults in lithosphere and earthquake patterns.
What was the primary physical evidence that led to the understanding that lithosphere actually moved on the surface of the Earth?
Magma leaking out of cracks in the ocean floor.
How did scientists determine that identical magnetic patterns on either side of mid-ocean ridges formed at the same time?
By observing that these patterns moved in opposite directions.
What role did magma play in supporting the theory of seafloor spreading as discussed in the text?
Magma leaked out of cracks in ocean floor, causing seafloor spreading.
'The Mystery of Drifting Continents' was ultimately resolved by which scientific discovery mentioned in the text?
'A new theory called plate tectonics.'
Learn about Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory, his investigations, the initial dismissal of his theories, and the new evidence that later supported his ideas. Discover how this evidence led to the development of a mechanism for continental movement.
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