Question

Which statement is true about the theory of plate tectonics and the theory of continental drift?

Responses

The theory of plate tectonics tells exactly where the continents were before Pangaea divided.

The theory of plate tectonics explains how continental movements could occur.

The theory of plate tectonics shows that continental movements could not have happened.

The theory of plate tectonics shows that Pangaea was impossible, but the continents did move.

Answer 1

The theory of plate tectonics provides an explanation for the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates, which includes the movement of continents. It suggests that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that move and interact with each other. These plates can carry continents and oceanic crust, leading to the movement of continents over time.

The theory of continental drift, on the other hand, was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. It suggested that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. While the theory of continental drift was an important precursor to the theory of plate tectonics, it did not provide a mechanism for explaining how continental movements could occur.

The theory of plate tectonics builds upon the idea of continental drift and provides a comprehensive explanation for the movement of continents. It suggests that the movement is driven by the interaction of the Earth's tectonic plates, which can slide past each other (transform boundaries), move apart (divergent boundaries), or collide (convergent boundaries). These plate movements can result in the drifting of continents over millions of years.

Answer 2

"The theory of plate tectonics explains how continental movements could occur."

Step-by-step explanation:

Plate tectonics is the modern scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates, including the movement of continents. It provides a mechanism for understanding how and why continents have moved over geological time scales. The theory of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, was a precursor to the theory of plate tectonics and suggested that continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. Plate tectonics builds upon and explains the processes responsible for continental drift and the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates.