Solving the Puzzle of Plate Tectonics

The video explores the concept of plate tectonics, starting with Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift, which was initially ridiculed. Wegener observed that continents fit together like a puzzle and shared fossils across continents, suggesting they were once connected. Despite skepticism, later evidence, such as seafloor spreading and magnetic patterns, confirmed the theory. Today, tectonic plates continue to move, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity, illustrating the dynamic nature of Earth's crust.

What was one of the initial pieces of evidence Alfred Wegener used to propose the theory of continental drift?

• The alignment of star constellations

• The discovery of ancient underwater cities

• The jigsaw-like fit of continental coastlines

• The presence of similar languages across continents

Why was Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift initially rejected by the scientific community?

• He had no evidence to support his claims

• He was not a trained geologist

• There was no known mechanism to explain how continents could move

• His ideas contradicted religious beliefs

What mechanism did Arthur Holmes propose to explain the movement of continents?

• Magnetic attraction between continents

• Gravitational pull from the moon

• Wind erosion over millions of years

• Thermal convection in the Earth's mantle

What discovery by Harry Hess provided concrete evidence for the theory of plate tectonics?

• The presence of dinosaur fossils in Antarctica

• A strange magnetic pattern along a seafloor ridge

• The existence of underwater volcanoes

• The alignment of mountain ranges across continents

What geological activity is most commonly associated with the boundaries of tectonic plates?

• Formation of deserts

• Rapid climate changes

• Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• Creation of large lakes