4 evidence of continental drift theory and 4 evidence of seafloor spreading
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for four pieces of evidence supporting the continental drift theory and four pieces of evidence supporting the seafloor spreading theory. This involves discussing scientific concepts related to geology and plate tectonics.
Answer
Evidence for continental drift: fit of continents, ancient fossils, rock formations, matching mountain ranges. Evidence for seafloor spreading: magnetic stripes, age of ocean crust, molten material, drilling samples.
Four pieces of evidence for the continental drift theory include the fit of the continents, distribution of ancient fossils, similar rock formations, and matching mountain ranges on different continents. Four pieces of evidence for seafloor spreading include magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, the age of the oceanic crust increasing with distance from the mid-ocean ridge, molten material from mid-ocean ridges, and drilling samples showing older sediments further from the ridges.
Answer for screen readers
Four pieces of evidence for the continental drift theory include the fit of the continents, distribution of ancient fossils, similar rock formations, and matching mountain ranges on different continents. Four pieces of evidence for seafloor spreading include magnetic stripes on the ocean floor, the age of the oceanic crust increasing with distance from the mid-ocean ridge, molten material from mid-ocean ridges, and drilling samples showing older sediments further from the ridges.
More Information
Continental drift theory was first proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, while seafloor spreading as a process was clarified by Harry Hess in the 1960s, providing a mechanism for Wegener's continental drift.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the evidence specific to continental drift and seafloor spreading; it's important to distinguish between the two theories and their supporting evidence.
Sources
- Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading - Dive & Discover - divediscover.whoi.edu
- 5.5: Continental Drift - Geosciences LibreTexts - geo.libretexts.org
- Section 3: Continental Drift & Seafloor Spreading | NGS Magnified - ngsmagnified.com
