The Continental Drift Theory & Plate Tectonics

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

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The Continental Drift Theory is the idea that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

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Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

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Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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Plate Tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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What is sea floor spreading?

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Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

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Who discovered sea floor spreading?

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Harry Hess discovered sea floor spreading.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large pieces of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often leading to one plate being forced beneath another, forming mountains or trenches.

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

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What is a geologist?

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A geologist is a scientist who studies rocks, minerals, and the processes that shape the Earth.