Evolution of Ocean Basins

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Questions and Answers

What major piece of evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

  • Misalignment of tectonic plates
  • Variations in ocean temperature
  • Similar fossils found on different continents (correct)
  • Differences in ocean currents

Why was the theory of continental drift not immediately accepted by scientists?

  • Many scientists had other prevailing theories
  • The evidence was exclusively geological
  • Wegener did not provide a convincing mechanism for drift (correct)
  • It contradicted known tectonic plate movements

What aspect of Harry Hess's theory provided the basis for seafloor spreading?

  • Drilling into oceanic crust
  • Volcanic activity near subduction zones
  • Magnetic patterns observed on the seafloor (correct)
  • The solidification of lava at rift valleys

What role did technology play in advancing our understanding of plate tectonics?

<p>It facilitated detailed mapping of the ocean floor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which evidence related to past glaciation did Wegener present to support his theory?

<p>Glacial debris found in tropical regions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which geological feature is associated with Wadati-Benioff zones?

<p>Deep earthquake locations indicating subduction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis explains the movement of tectonic plates through their interactions at plate boundaries?

<p>Plate tectonics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Wegener's theory suggest about the distribution of coal in Antarctica?

<p>It indicated the continent was once near the equator (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of evidence Wegener used to support his theory of continental drift?

<p>Similar rock formations across continents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the initial rejection of Wegener's continental drift theory?

<p>Inadequate explanation of the mechanisms for movement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which data did Harry Hess use to support his theory of seafloor spreading?

<p>Sediment thickness variations on the seafloor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role has technology played in the study of plate tectonics?

<p>It has improved the accuracy of seismic monitoring. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of geological evidence does Wegener cite related to coal deposits in Antarctica?

<p>Coal indicating ancient tropical climates (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phenomena is associated with the Wadati-Benioff zones?

<p>Subduction of tectonic plates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of evidence supports the theory of seafloor spreading?

<p>Pattern of earthquake distribution along ocean ridges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What discovery did the mapping of the ocean floor reveal that supported plate tectonics?

<p>Existence of ocean floor rifts and ridges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Continental Drift

A theory proposed by Alfred Wegener suggesting continents slowly moved across the Earth's surface.

Wegener's Evidence: Fossils

Similar fossils found on different continents support continental drift.

Wegener's Evidence: Rocks

Similar rock formations on adjacent continents indicate they were once connected.

Wegener's Evidence: Glaciation

Evidence of past glaciation found in tropical regions suggests land movement.

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Seafloor Spreading

Harry Hess's theory that new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and moves outward.

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Magnetic Patterns

Reversed magnetic fields recorded on the ocean floor provide evidence of seafloor spreading.

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Wadati-Benioff Zones

Zones that show earthquakes occurring at various depths, indicating subduction of tectonic plates.

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Role of Technology

Technological advancements have enhanced our understanding of plate tectonics through mapping and data collection.

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Continental Drift Rejection

The theory was initially rejected due to lack of mechanism for movement.

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Harry Hess' Theory

Seafloor spreading suggests new crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and moves outward.

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Seafloor Age Data

Younger seafloor rocks are near ridges, older ones are away, indicating new material.

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Magnetic Reversal Evidence

The ocean floor shows patterns of magnetic reversals that match the chronology of Earth's magnetic field.

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Glacial Evidence

Glacial deposits found in tropical areas indicate landmass movement over time.

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Coal Evidence in Antarctica

Coal deposits in Antarctica suggest it was once much warmer and connected to other landmasses.

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Technology in Plate Tectonics

Advancements like sonar and satellite imagery enable detailed mapping of tectonic features.

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Study Notes

Evolution of Ocean Basins

  • Wegener's theory of continental drift was supported by evidence including the fit of continents, similar fossils found on separated continents, similar rock types and mountain ranges on different continents, and evidence of past glaciation.
  • Wegener's theory was not immediately accepted due to the lack of a mechanism to explain continental movement. His proposed mechanism, continental drift, was not well-supported by the scientific community at the time.
  • Harry Hess's theory of seafloor spreading proposed that new crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away from the ridge, explaining continental drift.
  • Evidence for seafloor spreading included data from magnetic anomalies in the seafloor that showed a symmetrical pattern around mid-ocean ridges. This pattern mirrored the Earth's magnetic field reversals.
  • Technology like sonar and paleomagnetic studies played significant roles in advancing the understanding of plate tectonics. Early sonar data used to map the ocean floor. Paleomagnetic studies of the seafloor provided crucial information for seafloor spreading.

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