
How did seafloor spreading support Wegner’s theory of continental drift?
Answer
560.1k+ views
Hint: Alfred Wegener suggested that the continents were once joined into a single supercontinent called Pangaea, meaning all of the world. He indicated that long ago, Pangaea split apart and all the continents shifted to their new locations. He called continental drift his theory.
Complete answer:
In the early part of the 20th century, the continental drift theory was established, largely by Alfred Wegener. Wegener said that continents shift on the surface of the Earth and that they were once unified as a single supercontinent. When Wegener was still alive, scientists didn't think the continents were able to move.
Seafloor spreading is a phenomenon that takes place on mid-ocean ridges, where volcanic activity creates fresh oceanic crust and then eventually shifts away from the ridge. In the principle of plate tectonics, seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift. Tensional tension allows cracks to occur in the lithosphere as oceanic plates diverge.
Wegener suggested that, it is untrue, the continents themselves shift. The tectonic plates are the ones that shift. The dissolution of Pangea triggered the spread of the sea floor, which inspired Wegener to include this in favour of his theory of continental drift.
Note: While the data from Wegener was sound, most geologists dismissed his theory of continental drift at the time. There was no way to understand how solid continents could plough through solid oceanic crust, scientists claimed. The theory of Wegener was almost forgotten until scientific developments offered some more proof that the continents had shifted and provided scientists with the means to establish a framework for the drifting continents of Wegener.
Complete answer:
In the early part of the 20th century, the continental drift theory was established, largely by Alfred Wegener. Wegener said that continents shift on the surface of the Earth and that they were once unified as a single supercontinent. When Wegener was still alive, scientists didn't think the continents were able to move.
Seafloor spreading is a phenomenon that takes place on mid-ocean ridges, where volcanic activity creates fresh oceanic crust and then eventually shifts away from the ridge. In the principle of plate tectonics, seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift. Tensional tension allows cracks to occur in the lithosphere as oceanic plates diverge.
Wegener suggested that, it is untrue, the continents themselves shift. The tectonic plates are the ones that shift. The dissolution of Pangea triggered the spread of the sea floor, which inspired Wegener to include this in favour of his theory of continental drift.
Note: While the data from Wegener was sound, most geologists dismissed his theory of continental drift at the time. There was no way to understand how solid continents could plough through solid oceanic crust, scientists claimed. The theory of Wegener was almost forgotten until scientific developments offered some more proof that the continents had shifted and provided scientists with the means to establish a framework for the drifting continents of Wegener.
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

There are 720 permutations of the digits 1 2 3 4 5 class 11 maths CBSE

Discuss the various forms of bacteria class 11 biology CBSE

Draw a diagram of a plant cell and label at least eight class 11 biology CBSE

State the laws of reflection of light

Explain zero factorial class 11 maths CBSE

