Japman Science in Society

SCI101-1501A-09 : Introduction to the Sciences

Instructor Joel Tumbiolo

Colorado Technical University

02/02/2015

Alfred Wegener a German scientist in his theory explained that the continental landmasses were constantly drifting far from each other. Wegner named this movement as continental drift. He believed that coastlines of eastern South America and western Africa were related and looked like interlocking edges (Altıner, 2011). Fossil fuels of reptilian from coastline of the plates proofed that at some point they were joined together. One of the strongest evidence correlate to the magnetic imprints of oceans rocks beneath the mid-Atlantic ridges. Rocks repeal each other supporting continental drift.

Today’s scientist accepts there is earth movement as there is sufficient evidence to back it up. Unlike Wegner time where there was no sufficient proof about earth movement, revelation of seafloor spreading by underwater exploration make today’s scientist believe that there is earth movement (Altıner, 2011). Radiometric dating of oceans bottom sentiments proof existence of one continent Pangaea. Discoveries of sea floor mapping shed light on Wegner hypothesis of continental drift. Plate tectonic theory provided evidence to back up Wagner’s idea. Plates are constantly drifting from each other that proof a slow movement on the earth.

Scientific method involves formulation of hypothesis by creating models. Experimental researches are conducted to obtain data through measurement or observation. With the results, analysis is don then draw the conclusion. Consequently, scientists use the scientific method to develop theories that can be accepted through observation. Alfred Wagner developed continental drift hypothesis that was based merely on assumption. Geologist refuted Wegner hypothesis as there were no serious observation to back it up. Scientist were more skeptical about Wegner as far as scientific method was concerned. However, discovery of plate tectonic theory provided a more solid evidence that override earlier proposition and assumption in explaining continental drift.

Today’s scientist help us to understand our natural world by use of model and simulation. Using inductive reasoning they develop hypothesis based on non-numerical observation (qualitative science). By formulating data, scientist test their hypothesis, analyze the data and draw conclusion (quantitative science). They provide rational reasoning that make everything real to us, thus helping us to understand our world.

Wegner proposition was that there existed a supercontinent called Pangaea. Plate tectonic provides plausible evidence on the movement in the earth’s lithosphere. Plate tectonic theory explains that movement of earth was caused by convection forces in the earth core that led to split of the earth into unit called plates. The earth movement led to the spread of ocean floor. Plate were believed to slide past one another and no lithosphere was created nor destroyed. Thickness of ocean floor sediments verifies seafloor spreading and convective flow of rocks in 2900 km thick mantle formed the basis of driving force of plate tectonic.

Plates are constantly moving away from each other at rate of 5 cm per year. As they drift from each they led to development of earthquakes which deforms the coastlines reducing the size and shape of the plates (Altıner, 2011).

As the plate drift from each other, they converge. Collision of plate as a results subduction thickens the earth crust leading to formation of largest Continental Mountain like the Himalayas and Alps. Similarly, as plate drift relative to each other lead to formation of volcanoes known as the plate volcanoes. Several plates drifting forms active volcanoes in peripheral of Pacific Ocean Basin called Ring of fire (Nuara, 2014).

References Altıner, Y. (2011). Analytical surface deformation theory for detection of the Earth's crust movements. Berlin: Springer. Nuara, J. (2014). Theory of Plate Tectonics. Retrieved from CK-12 : http://www.ck12.org/user:am51YXJhQG1zZC5rMTIubnkudXM./section/Theory-of-Plate-Tectonics-%253A%253Aof%253A%253A-Plate-Tectonics/