The theory of plate tectonics grew out of earlier hypotheses and observations collected during exploration of the rocks of the ocean floor. Locations of earthquakes and volcanoes show the plate boundaries and ocean floor features. In rat and rabbit embryofetal development toxicity studies, no evidence of fetal harm was observed. Rubric for writing a scientific explanation plate tectonics explore 2 points awarded 2 1 0 claim answers the question, and is accurate based on data answers the question, but is inaccurate based. Over the next few decades, science found more evidence wegener was right. The original conjectures concerning plate tectonics were based on circumstantial evidence like the shapes of continents being such that they would fit well if pushed together. Geological archive of the onset of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics the tectonic plates of the world were mapped in the second half of the 20th century. Describe what occurs at the rift as the plates move away from each other. As constructive plates add new rock to the surface, this could and magnetic minerals within the rocks aligns itself with the. As you know, that critical evaluation involves making observations and interpretations. Some of the deepest parts of the oceans are these trenches. Plate tectonics is a good example of how the science community collects evidence and then continuously tests the theory. Sea floor reveals a mirror image of rock magnetism.
That said, here are some of the namesterms of the key pieces of evidence without great explanation, so people can go and research. Surface observations and seismic waves showed that the earths interior was solid. The rigid lithosphere is split into 15 major plates that slowly move on. Remember, plate tectonics as a theory has been around for a very long time. Plate tectonics, lid tectonics and planetary resurfacing. In many instances, similar fossil assemblages are preserved in rocks of the same age in different continents. Plate tectonics the earths crust is divided into plates which are moved in various directions. Plate tectonics the unifying concept of the earth sciences. Aug 24, 2008 this first of a threepart segment looks at the historical and modern evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics, especially as provided by studies of the ocean floor.
In class, students divide into teams of 3, with each team member having prepared different. Geophysicists find evidence of first plate tectonics. Scientists have traveled all over the earth and found evidence that supports the ideas of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the global distribution of geological phenomena. The species evolved independently on separate continents contradicting darwins. The idea that the earths crust is made up of huge tectonic plates that are floating on an ocean of molten hot magma seemed too fantastic to be believed. We cannot make a mathematical nor real model of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics theory is taught in science classrooms around the world, but just 50 years ago it was a hotly contested theory. In this inclass exercise, students compare several lines of evidence that support the ideas of continental drift and plate tectonics. The theory of plate tectonics posits that the continents and ocean basins on earths crust rest on large plates that are pulled continuously along over semimolten material just beneath them. We have a hypothesis of the general mechanics, but there might be pieces of data that do not fit the overall principle. What is some evidence for the plate tectonics theory.
Nplate, innromiplostim european medicines agency europa eu. Geological archive of the onset of plate tectonics ncbi. Current, approved product information for nplate romiplostim is available at. Plate tectonics describes the distribution and motion of the plates. There are many examples of fossils found on separate continents and nowhere else, suggesting the continents were once joined. Evidence from fossils, glaciers, and complementary coastlines helps reveal how the plates once fit together. Initiation and evolution of plate tectonics on earth. Which is the evidence supporting the theory of plate. This first of a threepart segment looks at the historical and modern evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics, especially as provided by studies of the ocean floor. The plate tectonics theory tries to explain the movement of the earths lithosphere. If you stop taking nplate a low blood platelet count thrombocytopenia is likely to reoccur. He reasoned that if the continents had once been joined.
Many people use the word theory the same way that they use the word guess. The structure of the earth, plate tectonics and landforms. An internet search of the exact same question will bring up a host of correct answers and links to further reading. The theory encompasses the older concepts of continental drift, developed. Do not use components that have evidence of tampering or damage. However, this observation is the most important piece of evidence because it was this observation that caused the earliest geologists 1600s1700s to suggest continental drift had happened in the past. It was the early 20th century and wegeners evidence didnt convince them. Since 1960, when hess revived the concept of seafloor spreading a term coined by dietz, 1961, the majority of western earth scientists has accepted plate tectonics without. In science when we used the word theory we mean an explanation of a set of facts. Evidence for plate tectonics the evidence for plate tectonics is very conclusive.
As the plate moves down into the asthenosphere it begins to melt. Today, we have a much broader set of evidence in favor of the hypothesis. Apr 18, 2009 however, this observation is the most important piece of evidence because it was this observation that caused the earliest geologists 1600s1700s to suggest continental drift had happened in the past. Plate tectonics combines these older concepts continental drift by means of seafloor spreading with those of convection or a similar mechanism and polar wandering. Plate tectonics explore 2 1 super evidence claim evidence reasoning. Fossils tell us when and where plants and animals once existed.
First, the age of the crust is youngest at the plate boundaries where older rock is pushed up and the. Rock reflect direction of magnetism when they are created. So the theory of plate tectonics is not a guess it is an explanation of the evidence that has been gather over several hundred years. Once every 200,000 years, the earths magnetic field reverses polarity.
Each type of interaction causes a characteristic set of earth structures or tectonic features. Describe some of the events and pieces of evidence that led to the theory of plate tectonics. What evidence is there to suggest that tectonic plates move. Plate tectonics student name 60 25 10 2 2 10 25 60 inspection copy for schools only. What does magnetism have to do with plate tectonics. As newly erupted volcanic rocks cool, or sediments slowly settle in lakes or deep ocean basins, the magnetic minerals within them become aligned according to the. Identification of the oldest preserved pieces of earths crust in southern greenland has provided evidence of active plate tectonics as early as. Mar 23, 2007 identification of the oldest preserved pieces of earths crust in southern greenland has provided evidence of active plate tectonics as early as 3.
Aug 30, 20 students earn the four lines of evidence alfred wegener used to support his theory of continental drift. Nplate is not indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia due to. Plate tectonics, involving a globally linked system of lateral motion of rigid surface plates, is a. Nplate 125 micrograms powder for solution for injection. Nplate 250 micrograms powder and solvent for solution for injection. List and describe the evidence for the plate tectonics. Which is the evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics. How can students be taught to question prevailing, currently popular theories if they are only presented a onesided view. Location of mountains and fossils the ancient mountain ranges many now eroded to their cores and the location of rock types and fossils all match up.
It is a very well supported theory, and while scientific debate continues about small parts or local effects, the overall concept is accepted as good as fact. In mice there was evidence of increased postimplantation loss. Early evidence for plate tectonics magma generation, igneous intrusions, metamorphism, volcanic action, earthquakes, faulting, and folding are usually the result of plate tectonic activity. Evaluating the lines of evidence for plate tectonics. As you read each paragraph, take notes about the key ideas in the. To complete the last column, circle the plate type. Origins of plate tectonic theory earth science visionlearning. Pdf the concept of interplay between mantle convection and tectonics goes back to about. Plate tectonics the original conjectures concerning plate tectonics were based on circumstantial evidence like the shapes of continents being such that they would fit well if pushed together. Kiss resources for the australian curriculum science. Before the class meeting, each student is given a preparation assignment in which heshe studies one continental drift and one ocean floor data map. The theory of plate tectonics explains the earths crustal dynamics by the movement of rigid lithospheric plates. Evaluating the lines of evidence for plate tectonics activities. List and describe the evidence for the plate tectonics theory.
Plate tectonics is the surface manifestation of mantle convection, but the large contrast in viscosities between the lithosphere and the deeper mantle leads to departures from a simple boiling pot. You will recall from a previous chapter that there are three. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Create a timeline of the events leading to the theory of plate tectonics. Pay special attention to the arrows, which indicated the thickness and position of newly formed rock. This plate motion causes them to collide, pull apart, or scrape against each other. What is a brief explanation of the plate tectonic theory.
Each plate is part of a shell on a sphere, so different parts of the plate move at different velocities. Wipe the site where nplate is to be injected with an alcohol swab, using a circular motion. In places where these plates meet, the dense, heavy seafloor slides under, or subducts, the lighter continental plates. Evaluating the lines of evidence for plate tectonics good science means that we dont mindlessly accept ideas as truewe critically evaluate those ideas. The presentday number of tectonic plates springerlink. The idea that continents may have originally occupied different positions was not a new one, but wegener was the first to present the evidence in a diligent and scientific manner. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. As constructive plates add new rock to the surface, this could and magnetic minerals within the rocks aligns itself with the direction of the earths magnetic field. Some life rode on diverging plates, became isolated, and evolved into new species. Ongoing evidence for plate tectonics today, much of the evidence concerning plate tectonics is acquired with satellite technology. In the 1960, new technologies such as sonar provided new data that supported wegeners theory of moving plates. Many other geologists, however, prefer the onset of plate tectonics sometime during the archean eon e.
Scientists believe in the plate tectonics theory because of the following pieces of evidence. Seafloor spreading rocks next to the midoceanic ridge are younger. Through use of the global positioning system gps and other satellitebased data collection techniques, scientists can directly measure the velocity or speed and direction of movement of plates on earths surface. One of the most important contributions to the development of plate tectonic theory was alfred wegeners 1915 publication of the origin of continents and oceans which outlined his theory of continental drift. Ancient climate evidence evidence of glaciation on tropical continents. Principally it refers to the movement and interaction of the earths lithosphere. The earths crust is divided into six large pieces, and about twenty smaller pieces, by deep fault systems. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. How does paleomagnetism support the plate tectonics theory. Plate tectonics is the theory used to explain the structure of the earths crust and many of the associated phenomenon.
Table s1 shows the plates that can be identified in his first figure, as well as plates used in some other models. Plate tectonics is the theory that explains how large pieces of the earths outermost layer, called tectonic plates, move and change shape. Plate tectonics evidence to takes notes, first put your title at the top of the page page number, date, toc turn your notebook sideways and use a ruler to create the chart next slide part of theory definition evidence mantle convection continental drift seafloor spreading about 3 cm about 6 cm rest of the paper about 2 cm. Geologic activity around the plate boundaries on the ocean floor provide evidence of plate tectonics. The earths surface is made up of a series of large plates that can travel up to 2 or 3 cm per year. Plate tectonics, our major paradigm for how the earth works, was established in the 1960ies following decades of observational research that culminated in key. Pdf a mantle convection perspective on global tectonics. Approaches to continental intraplate earthquake issues cdn. Wegener supported his argument with five lines of evidence.
If continental drift had not occurred, the alternative explanations would be. Magnetism is part of the evidence for plate tectonic theory. Plate tectonics evidence of plate movement if youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. The earths crust is divided into six large pieces, and. Convection currents beneath the plates drive the plates in different directions.
The german meteorologist alfred wegener 18801930 is largely credited with establishing the fundamentals of the theory that we now call plate tectonics. Plate tectonics evidence of sea floor spreading the planet experience periodic reversals in the poles. The outer portion of the earth is made up of about 20 distinct plates 100 km thick, which move relative to each other this motion is what causes earthquakes and makes mountain ranges plate tectonics integrates evidence from many branches of science. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext.
1027 678 370 445 612 1446 298 565 543 1401 735 157 1607 917 63 1138 241 15 794 965 863 389 1294 925 500 1160 658 1479 1235 1124 1105 1013 933 1061 1182 802 889 111 970 34 351 489 100 371 1440 29 1192 994 233 450 510