Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary reason for the initial skepticism surrounding Wegener's theory of continental drift?
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?
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?
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?
How did the development of plate tectonics theory impact the understanding of continental drift?
Which statement best reflects the scientific community's initial view of Wegener's continental drift theory?
Which statement best reflects the scientific community's initial view of Wegener's continental drift theory?
What is the significance of the puzzle-piece fit of the coastlines of western Africa and eastern South America?
What is the significance of the puzzle-piece fit of the coastlines of western Africa and eastern South America?
Which piece of evidence would NOT directly support the theory of continental drift?
Which piece of evidence would NOT directly support the theory of continental drift?
In what capacity did Marie Tharp help confirm the theory of continental drift?
In what capacity did Marie Tharp help confirm the theory of continental drift?
What does the presence of Pangaea suggest about the arrangement of continents?
What does the presence of Pangaea suggest about the arrangement of continents?
Which fields of study, BESIDES those listed in the text, could potentially contribute to the ongoing development of our understanding of continental drift?
Which fields of study, BESIDES those listed in the text, could potentially contribute to the ongoing development of our understanding of continental drift?
Flashcards
Continental Drift
Continental Drift
Theory proposing continents were once joined as Pangaea.
Alfred Wegener
Alfred Wegener
Proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912.
Pangaea
Pangaea
The supercontinent before it broke apart.
Fossil Evidence
Fossil Evidence
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Tectonic Plates
Tectonic Plates
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Convection Currents
Convection Currents
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Marie Tharp
Marie Tharp
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Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Mid-Atlantic Ridge
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Skepticism of Continental Drift
Skepticism of Continental Drift
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Support from Plate Tectonics
Support from Plate Tectonics
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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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