Continental Drift Theory Overview
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for the initial skepticism surrounding Wegener's theory of continental drift?

  • Lack of fossil evidence linking continents.
  • The belief that Earth's crust was static and unchanging.
  • Absence of a mechanism explaining continental movement. (correct)
  • The perceived implausibility of continents moving.

    • Marie Tharp's discovery of the mid-Atlantic ridge provided significant support for continental drift. What specific characteristic of this ridge was particularly compelling evidence?

  • The presence of volcanic activity along the ridge's flanks.
  • A deep rift valley running along the center of the ridge. (correct)
  • The shallow depth of the ridge, suggesting recent uplift.
  • The diverse marine life found along the ridge.

    • Cynognathus fossils discovered in South America and South Africa suggest which of the following?

  • These continents were previously joined and later separated. (correct)
  • These continents once shared a similar climate.
  • Cynognathus was capable of long-distance migration.
  • The dating techniques used for these fossils are unreliable.

    • How did the development of plate tectonics theory impact the understanding of continental drift?

    <p>It provided a mechanism to explain how continental drift occurs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best reflects the scientific community's initial view of Wegener's continental drift theory?

    <p>Significant skepticism due to the lack of a clear mechanism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the puzzle-piece fit of the coastlines of western Africa and eastern South America?

    <p>It suggests that these continents were once joined. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which piece of evidence would NOT directly support the theory of continental drift?

    <p>Changes in the Earth's magnetic field over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what capacity did Marie Tharp help confirm the theory of continental drift?

    <p>By mapping the mid-Atlantic ridge and its rift valley. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the presence of Pangaea suggest about the arrangement of continents?

    <p>Continents were once connected as a single landmass. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fields of study, BESIDES those listed in the text, could potentially contribute to the ongoing development of our understanding of continental drift?

    <p>Paleoclimatology and paleomagnetism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Continental Drift

    Theory proposing continents were once joined as Pangaea.

    Alfred Wegener

    Proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912.

    Pangaea

    The supercontinent before it broke apart.

    Fossil Evidence

    Fossils of Cynognathus found on separate continents.

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    Tectonic Plates

    Sections of the Earth's crust that move.

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    Convection Currents

    Cause tectonic plates to move due to heat.

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    Marie Tharp

    Mapped mid-Atlantic ridge and confirmed drift theory.

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    Mid-Atlantic Ridge

    Underwater mountain range discovered by Tharp.

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    Skepticism of Continental Drift

    Initial doubt about Wegener's theory due to lack of mechanism.

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    Support from Plate Tectonics

    New evidence in the 1950s and 1960s validated continental drift.

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    Study Notes

    Continental Drift Theory

    • Wegener's theory of continental drift proposed that continents were once joined and have since drifted apart.
    • The theory was initially met with skepticism.
    • Evidence for continental drift includes the similar fossils of ancient species found on different continents
    • The continents and glacial deposits aligned at the equator also supported the idea of continental movement
    • Evidence from matching ancient rock formations and mountain ranges on separate continents also supported the theory
    • Wegener's theory suggested a supercontinent called Pangea
    • Wegener died during expeditions to Greenland in 1930
    • Evidence gathered during the 1950s and 1960s supported his theory on continental drift
    • These new discoveries showed that earth's crust consist of huge tectonic plates moving as convection currents bring magma to the surface
    • Marie Tharp, a geologist, charted the ocean floor, finding the mid-Atlantic rift which supported Wegeners' theory

    Plate Tectonics

    • The theory of plate tectonics states that Earth's crust consists of shifting plates.
    • Plate movement alters Earth's surface
    • The movement is explained by convection currents that bring magma to the surface
    • These movements can result in earthquakes and volcanic activities

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    Description

    Explore the foundational concepts of continental drift as proposed by Alfred Wegener. This quiz covers the evidence supporting this theory, the concept of Pangea, and key contributors like Marie Tharp, who helped validate Wegener's ideas. Test your knowledge on how tectonic plates shape our planet.

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