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Evidence of the Wegener’s Continental Drift Hypothesis and The Theory of Plate Tectonics
The Theory of Plate Tectonics:
1. The Earth’s lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that drift on the asthenosphere
2. The plates move by convection currents that either push the plates together, apart or make them
slide past each other.
Evidence 1: (This is a summary of the Pangea packet we did!)
In the early 1900’s Alfred Wegener wrote about his hypothesis of continental drift. Continental
drift is the hypothesis that states the continents were once formed in a single landmass and then
“drifted” apart to their present locations. From memory or using your packet, answer the questions
below:
What were some pieces of evidence that Wegener had to support his hypothesis? (Give at least 3)
Which part of the theory (1 or 2) of plate tectonics does it support? How does it support it? Explain.
Even though Wegener had so much evidence to support his hypothesis, scientists around the world
rejected it. Why do you suppose the hypothesis was rejected? (Look again at his evidence vs. the
theory!)
Evidence 2: Sea-Floor Spreading
Below is a map of Mid-Ocean Ridges on Earth.
Mid-ocean ridge
map
Explain what happens at mid-ocean ridges. (Feel free to refer back to your notes/packets)
How does this support the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
Evidence 3: Landforms
Part A: Examine the path that India took from 71 million years ago until now.
What could cause India to move this drastically overtime? Explain using terms from the plate tectonics
unit.
The Himalayas occur along the border of India and China as pictured below.
Using the evidence above regarding India, explain why the Himalayas are growing? Use terms from the
plate tectonics unit.
How do these items support the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
Part B: Examine the map of the Pacific Ring of Fire below. Along this “ring” there are a great many
volcanoes and earthquakes that occur.
Explain why there are so many earthquakes and volcanoes that occur along this boundary?
Explain how this supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics?