What is an example of theory of continental drift?
The North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, for example, are separated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The two continents are moving away from each other at the rate of about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) per year. Rift valleys are sites where a continental landmass is ripping itself apart.
What is the 1st evidence of Continental Drift?
The first truly detailed and comprehensive theory of continental drift was proposed in 1912 by Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist. Bringing together a large mass of geologic and paleontological data, Wegener postulated that throughout most of geologic time there was only one continent, which he called Pangea.
What are the 2 evidence of seafloor spreading?
Several types of evidence from the oceans supported Hess’s theory of sea-floor spreading-evidence from molten material, magnetic stripes, and drilling samples. This evidence also led sci- entists to look again at Wegener’s theory of continental drift.
What are the 6 evidences of plate motion?
There is variety of evidence that supports the claims that plate tectonics accounts for (1) the distribution of fossils on different continents, (2) the occurrence of earthquakes, and (3) continental and ocean floor features including mountains, volcanoes, faults, and trenches.
Which two pieces of fossils evidence support the idea of continental drift?
The fossils of the reptiles Mesosaurus and Lystrosaurus and a fernlike plant called Glossopteris have been found on widely separated landmasses. This convinced Wegener that the continents had once been united. Wegener used evidence from climate change to further support his theory.
How can fossils be used as evidence for Continental Drift?
There are many examples of fossils found on separate continents and nowhere else, suggesting the continents were once joined. If Continental Drift had not occurred, the alternative explanations would be: They swam to the other continent/s in breeding pairs to establish a second population. …
What is the best piece of evidence for plate tectonics?
What is the best piece of evidence for plate tectonics? Answer: Modern continents hold clues to their distant past. Evidence from fossils, glaciers, and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. Fossils tell us when and where plants and animals once existed.
What are the three pieces of evidence for continental drift?
In the early part of the 20th century, scientists began to put together evidence that the continents could move around on Earth’s surface. The evidence for continental drift included the fit of the continents; the distribution of ancient fossils, rocks, and mountain ranges; and the locations of ancient climatic zones.
What evidence did Alfred Wegener have on continental drift?
What kind of Evidence did Wegener have to prove his hypothesis of continental drift? 1. Glacier evidence was found in places glaciers should never have been 2. Landforms like rivers and mountain ranges match on continents 3. Continents fit together like a jigsaw puzzle
What is the Geological evidence for continental drift?
Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift
What is the hypothesis of continental drift?
Continental drift is the movement of the Earth’s continents relative to each other, thus appearing to “drift” across the ocean bed. The speculation that continents might have ‘drifted’ was first put forward by Abraham Ortelius in 1596. In the mid-20th century, the theory of continental drift was referred to as the “Taylor-Wegener hypothesis”, although this terminology eventually fell out of common use.