Science Assignment

Science Assignment

1. Describe geographic evidence collected in the last part of the 20th century to support the theory of continental drift.

Abraham Ortelius is the person who came up with the hypothesis that the continents were drifted apart. Although Alfred Wegner tried to come up with supportive evidence that explained continental drift, he did not provide more prove that could support the mechanism and the underlying processes leading to the movements. However, the plate tectonics theory explains, the movements in a better manner. One of the main proves and evidence of continental drift is the relationship of the coastlines in Africa and South America. In addition the mountain ranges in Africa and South America are also correlated to each other.

There was also evidence of the reptilian fossils that were found on the coastlines showing a proof that the coastlines were joined together at one period of time. Moreover, the discovery of rocks that are similar in structure and also mineral deposits in the two coastlines also shows that the two were joined together. Evidence collected in the 2oth century also shows that there are magnetic imprints in the bottom of the ocean rocks especially in the Mid Atlantic ridges. The rocks from these ridges do repeal each other thus supporting the proof of continental drift.

2. Why do scientists today accept the movement of continents but did not accept this theory back in Wegner's time?

Scientists accept the movement of the continents today bit did not accept it in Wegner's time because there was no much evidence to ascertain the proof that the continents were once a common block. During Wagner's time there was no proof of radiometric dating of oceans bottom sentiments. In addition, the fossil forests of Nova Scatia also provide more evidence to the theory thus making scientists to believe that there was once a single continent. Alfred Wegner also provided compelling arguments and explanations on the movement of the plate tectonics and this caused confusion because people did not know which explanation to follow. In particular, Wegner failed to find a mechanism for supporting continental drift theory. However, the discovery of Mid Atlantic Ridge in the 2oth century has helped to prove his theories beyond reasonable doubt. Moreover, the discoveries of sea floor mapping have also helped to shed light into the hypothesis by Wegner thus providing more acceptability into his theory (Frankel 45).

The plate tectonics theory has contributed to Wegners evidence that help to provide more evidence to his theory. This theory has helped to provide more evidence to Wegner's ideas. Generally, the plate tectonics theory provides an argument on the proof that there is a slow movement on the earth. The tectonics theory provides more evidence on the movements in the earth's lithosphere thus providing a green light into the movement on earth. The movement in the plate tectonics provides evidence that there was a continental drift on the earth's surface (Frankel 23).

3. Describe the process of the scientific method and theory development in relation to the continental drift theory.

The scientific method is an analysis method that is used to measure results and research findings. Through the scientific method, data can only be obtained through observation and measurement. Consequently, scientists use the scientific method to develop theories that can be accepted through observation. However, Alfred Wagner develops the continental drift hypothesis that was merely based on observations and assumptions. There were no serious observations or hypothesis which could