Question

A) A theory begins when scientists are confronted by an anomaly. (a) Briefly describe the anomaly that confounded 19th-century geologists as they tried to better understand/explain the Earth's varied topography. (b) State/discuss the explanation for this anomaly, as accepted by most scientists prior to the 1900s.

b) In the story of Atomic theory, Niels Bohr brought together ideas from different disciplines to resolve difficult questions about atomic structure. (i) Relate Wegener's extensive compilation of data to the defense of his 1915 theory of "continental drift," a new explanation for Earth's varied topography and the location of Earth's continents. (ii) Summarize why Wegener's explanation was rejected by the majority of early 20th-century geologists.
c) Theories change as new data emerges, allowing existing data to be interpreted in new ways to resolve difficult questions. Discuss/explain (i) how applications of sonar contributed to Princeton University geologist Harry Hess' theory of "seafloor spreading," and (ii) how British geologists Fred Vine and Drummond Matthews used applications of magnetometer technology to provide the "proof" needed by Hess to support his theory.
d) Briefly summarize the story of Plate Tectonics.

Answer 1

The development of plate tectonics theory evolved from the early observations of anomalies in Earth's topography to the proposal of continental drift by Alfred Wegener, which was initially rejected due to a lack of explanatory mechanism. Advances in technology such as sonar and magnetometers helped refine the theories, ultimately leading to the acceptance of plate tectonics as the overarching framework in geology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Development of Plate Tectonics Theory

The anomaly that confounded 19th-century geologists was Earth's varied topography and the matching geological features across widely separated continents. At the time, the accepted explanation for this anomaly, prior to the 1900s, was a lack of understanding of the mechanisms responsible for such observations, with many scientists adhering to static models of the Earth's crust.

In the case of Alfred Wegener, his 1915 theory of "continental drift" was backed by a compilation of data including the fit of continents, matching fossils, mountain ranges, and paleoclimate evidence all suggesting the existence of the supercontinent Pangea. However, it was rejected by most early 20th-century geologists primarily due to a lack of a plausible mechanism for the movement of continents.

New data and technology often contribute to the evolution of theories. The application of sonar technology by Harry Hess led to his theory of seafloor spreading, suggesting that a new oceanic crust was being formed at mid-ocean ridges. This was later supported by magnetic data collected using magnetometer technology by Fred Vine and Drummond Matthews, providing crucial proof needed to support Hess's theory.

The theory of Plate Tectonics is now recognized as the grand unifying theory in geology, explaining the dynamic behavior of the Earth's lithosphere and its tectonic processes based on a vast array of evidence and measurements.