What is the most convincing evidence of the continental drift theory?
The discovery of fossils of tropical plants (in the form of coal deposits) in Antarctica led to the conclusion that this frozen land previously must have been situated closer to the equator, in a more temperate climate where lush, swampy vegetation could grow.
Why is the continental drift theory not accepted?
The main reason that Wegener’s hypothesis was not accepted was because he suggested no mechanism for moving the continents. He thought the force of Earth’s spin was sufficient to cause continents to move, but geologists knew that rocks are too strong for this to be true.
Why could Wegener not answer objections?
Explanation: Because he could not explain a mechanism that would cause the Earths’ crustal plates to shift around, his idea was dismissed at the time. He also had rates of movements for his continents that seemed very unlikely – too high.
What were the problems with the continental drift theory?
The problem that was used to reject Continental Drift is that the theory had no mechanism or explanation for what could cause the movement of the massive continents.
What are the limitations of continental drift theory?
Drawbacks of Continental Drift Theory Wegener failed to explain why the drift began only in Mesozoic era and not before. The theory doesn’t consider oceans. Proofs heavily depend on assumptions that are generalistic. Forces like buoyancy, tidal currents and gravity are too weak to be able to move continents.
Which coastlines most closely match each other and are therefore used as evidence to support Wegener’s theory?
Answer. Answer: The close fit between the coastlines of Africa and South America can be used as proof to support the theory given by Wegener.
Which statement best describes the theory of plate tectonics?
Answer: The statement that best describes the theory of plate tectonics is the one that says that sections of Earth’s continents are in slow constant movement.
Which three continents contain coalfields that provide evidence for continental drift?
Answer. Answer: . The answer is Eurasia, North America, Africa, and South America.
Which statement explains how convection currents affect the movement of plates?
Which statement explains how convection currents affect the movement of plates? Heat from Earth’s interior causes currents of hot rising magma and cooler sinking magma to flow, moving the crust along with them.
How will you describe the movement of the two plates?
The movement of the plates creates three types of tectonic boundaries: convergent, where plates move into one another; divergent, where plates move apart; and transform, where plates move sideways in relation to each other. They move at a rate of one to two inches (three to five centimeters) per year.
What facilitates the movement of the plates?
Answer: The force that causes most of the plate movement is thermal convection, where heat from the Earth’s interior causes currents of hot rising magma and cooler sinking magma to flow, moving the plates of the crust along with them.