Regarding Plate tectonics, consider the following statements: 1. It i...
The correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only. Let's discuss each statement to understand why.
1. It is the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.
This statement is correct. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the movement and interaction of Earth's lithospheric plates. According to this theory, the Earth's outer shell, called the lithosphere, is broken into several large and small rigid plates that float and move over the semi-fluid layer beneath it, known as the asthenosphere. These plates are composed of both continental and oceanic crust and are in constant motion due to the convective currents in the underlying mantle.
2. It is another name for the theory of continental drift.
This statement is incorrect. While plate tectonics and continental drift are related concepts, they are not the same thing. Continental drift was a theory proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, suggesting that the continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since moved apart. However, the theory of continental drift did not provide a mechanism for how the continents moved. Plate tectonics, on the other hand, built upon Wegener's ideas and provided a comprehensive explanation for the movement of not only continents but also the oceanic plates.
3. It discards the conventional geological view that there is a conventional current flowing in the mantle.
This statement is incorrect. Plate tectonics does not discard the conventional geological view of mantle convection. In fact, it is supported by the understanding of convective currents in the mantle. The convective currents in the mantle are driven by heat transfer from the Earth's core and the radioactive decay of elements within the mantle. These convective currents play a significant role in the movement of the tectonic plates and the formation of various geological features such as mountains, volcanoes, and ocean basins.
In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as it accurately describes plate tectonics, while statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. Plate tectonics is not another name for continental drift, and it does not discard the conventional view of mantle convection.
Regarding Plate tectonics, consider the following statements: 1. It i...
- Plate tectonics is the modem version of continental drift, a theory first proposed by scientist Alfred Wegener in 1912. Wegener didn’t have an explanation for how continents could move around the planet, but researchers do now. Plate tectonics is thus said to be the unifying theory of geology.
- The driving force behind plate tectonics is convection in the mantle. Hot material near the Earth’s core rises, and colder mantle rock sinks.
- The plates act like a hard and rigid shell compared to Earth’s mantle. This strong outer layer is called the lithosphere.
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