Theory of Continental Drift Quiz

Who was the scientist who came up with the theory of Continental Drift?

Answer explanation

The scientist who proposed the theory of Continental Drift is Alfred Wegener. He suggested that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart, revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's geological history.

Describe the Theory of Continental Drift using ALL the key words from the word bank below.

Answer explanation

The Theory of Continental Drift suggests that continents drifted apart from a single supercontinent called Pangaea over millions of years, leading to the current positions of the continents.

List at least 3 pieces of evidence that he had that supported his claim that the continents drifted apart.

Answer explanation

He provided evidence such as the fit of continental coastlines, fossil similarities across continents, and geological formations that matched on different continents, supporting the theory of continental drift.

What was the main reason that the scientific community did not accept his theory?

Answer explanation

The main reason the scientific community did not accept his theory was due to a lack of empirical evidence and the prevailing scientific consensus that contradicted his claims, making it difficult for his ideas to gain traction.

Who was the scientist who came up with the theory of Seafloor Spreading?

Answer explanation

The theory of Seafloor Spreading was proposed by scientist Harry Hess in the early 1960s. He suggested that new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outward, providing a mechanism for continental drift.

Describe the Theory of Continental Drift using ALL the key words from the word bank below.

Answer explanation

The Theory of Continental Drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener, suggests that continents were once a single landmass called Pangaea, which drifted apart over time due to tectonic plate movements, leading to the current configuration of continents.

What was the mechanism (the cause) of seafloor spreading?

Answer explanation

Seafloor spreading is caused by the upwelling of magma at mid-ocean ridges, which creates new oceanic crust as tectonic plates move apart. This process is driven by convection currents in the mantle.

What evidence did he have that the seafloor was spreading apart over long periods of time?

Answer explanation

He had evidence from the age of oceanic crust, magnetic striping patterns, and the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along mid-ocean ridges, all indicating that the seafloor was gradually spreading apart over time.

What plate boundary is shown in the diagrams above?

Answer explanation

The diagrams likely depict a convergent plate boundary, where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing subduction or mountain formation.

Draw arrows that show how the plates above are moving.

Answer explanation

Draw arrows indicating the direction of plate movement: away from each other for divergent boundaries, towards each other for convergent boundaries, and sliding past each other for transform boundaries.