Plate Tectonics Evidence
Michael oddie
continental drift
The gradual movement of the continents across the earth's surface through geological time. Was theroy tat explained how continents shift position on the earth's surface. Set forth in 1912 by alfred wegener, a geophysicist and meteorologist, continental drift also explained why look alike animal.
fossil evidence
The remains or impression of a prehistoric. In fossil evidence the continents were once joined. For example, remains of mesosaurus freshwater crocodile-like reptile.
rock evidence
The solid mineral material forming part of the surface. The appalachian mountains (untied states) and caledonian mountains (scotland) fit together. The atlantic ocean is like puzzle pieces.
plate tectonics
A theory explaining the structure. Is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, the rocky inner layer. The plates act like a hard and rigid shell compared to earth's mantle.
seafloor spreading
The formation of new areas of oceanic crust. Seafloor spreading, magma rises and cools to make a new crust.
Crust is younger than the crust farther away, which shows that there must be a divergent.
earthquake and volcano mapping
Earthquake and volcanos, scientists notice that they consistently land. They believe these are the centers of the plates. The spots outline what they believe are the plate boundaries.
hot spots
Island chains like Hawaii may help to prove the existence of plates. Hot spots are not close to plate boundaries like most volcanos, which leads scientists to believe the hot spot stays.