Explain how the theory of continental drift changed when new evidence was discovered.

Question: Explain how the theory of continental drift changed when new evidence was discovered.

The theory of continental drift, first proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, suggested that continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. Initially, Wegener's theory was not widely accepted due to a lack of convincing evidence explaining the mechanism driving the continents' movement.

However, several key pieces of evidence emerged in the mid-20th century that transformed and validated Wegener’s theory:

Seafloor Spreading: In the 1960s, geologist Harry Hess and others discovered that new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outwards. This process, known as seafloor spreading, provided a mechanism for continental drift.

Paleomagnetic Evidence: Studies of the Earth's magnetic field trapped in rocks (paleomagnetism) showed symmetrical patterns of magnetic stripes on either side of mid-ocean ridges. These stripes recorded reversals of the Earth’s magnetic field, supporting the idea of seafloor spreading and, consequently, continental drift.

Plate Tectonics: The concept of plate tectonics emerged, which explained that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. The movement of these plates accounts for the drift of continents.

Distribution of Fossils and Rock Formations: Similar fossils and rock formations found on continents now separated by oceans further supported the theory that these continents were once connected.

Satellite Data: Modern technology, including satellite measurements, has directly observed the movement of tectonic plates, providing concrete evidence for the theory.

These discoveries collectively led to the widespread acceptance of the theory of continental drift, now better understood as part of the broader theory of plate tectonics, revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's dynamic surface. 

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