Who introduced the theory of plate tectonic?
meteorologist Alfred Wegener
German meteorologist Alfred Wegener is often credited as the first to develop a theory of plate tectonics, in the form of continental drift.
How does the plate tectonic theory explain the movements of tectonic plates?
The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s solid outer crust, the lithosphere, is separated into plates that move over the asthenosphere, the molten upper portion of the mantle. Oceanic and continental plates come together, spread apart, and interact at boundaries all over the planet.
What plates move apart at boundaries?
Plates move apart from each other along divergent boundaries. In the ocean basins these boundaries are the mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust forms. Where continents are pulled apart, large gaps, or rift systems, develop.
How did Harry Hess think the continents moved apart?
Photo: Harry Hess argues that the continents had once been one, and have drifted apart. In 1962, he added a geologic mechanism to account for Wegener’s moving continents. It was possible, he said, that molten magma from beneath the earth’s crust could ooze up between the plates in the Great Global Rift.
How did Harry Hess explain the drifting of continents?
Supporting Wegener’s theory of continental drift, Hess explained how the once-joined continents had separated into the seven that exist today. The continents don’t change dramatically or move independently, but are transported by the shifting tectonic plates on which they rest.
What type of plate boundary is involved in this plate movement?
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.
What is tectonic plate boundaries?
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.
How is the theory of plate tectonics explained?
Plate Tectonics. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. The theory, which solidified in the 1960s, transformed the earth sciences by explaining many phenomena, including mountain building events, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
What did Harry Hess contribute to plate tectonics?
Specific contributions to plate tectonic theory. Dr. Hess’ most significant contribution to the plate tectonic theory began in 1945 when he was the commander of the U.S.S. Cape Johnson.
Which is the most famous transform plate boundary?
One of the most famous transform plate boundaries occurs at the San Andreas fault zone, which extends underwater. Natural or human-made structures that cross a transform boundary are offset—split into pieces and carried in opposite directions.
What are the different types of plate tectonic boundaries?
What are the different types of plate tectonic boundaries? There are three kinds of plate tectonic boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries. This image shows the three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform.