Abstract

Plate tectonics is a theoretical representation of the revolutionized science occurring with the earth that defines the outer shell dynamics of the earth. It is through the scientific study of plate tectonics over the years that uniformed context has been created in a move to allow understanding of the earth’s process and formation of continents. The revolution of the earth science has further helped in the understanding of the mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes and Earth’s revolution, construction of oceans and past continents. However, until the 1960s, the majority of the contents about plate tectonics did not provide sufficient evidence and explanation as to the movement of the continents and other earth’s processes. The essay focuses on the new scientific evidence that illustrates plate tectonics beyond what Wagener offered. Scientists have found the uniformity in the location of rocks and fossils to confirm that at one time the continents existed together. The occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes in the plate boundaries in almost similar manner shows the continental movement.

Keywords: Plate tectonics, continents, seafloor, rocks, and magnetic

The theory of plate tectonics deals with the outer shell of the Earth’s dynamics, the lithosphere through which the Earth sciences were revolutionized. The revolution shaped the understanding of the mountain building, earthquakes, volcanoes and Earth’s revolution, construction of oceans and past continents. Alfred Wegener was the pioneer theorist t study plate tectonic when he proposed about continental drift theory. Wegener gave his explanation on the outlines of many coastlines that defined the continents as puzzle-like fit. However, the idea of Wegener seemed controversial based on the fact that he did not explain the movement of continents besides the observational evidence. It was because of the failure of Wegener’s idea to give a vivid explanation that many paleontologists continued with their study of the Earth surface. Today, scientists have more evidence for plate tectonics than what Alfred Wegener presented.

It is remarkably evident that when all the continents are assembled together, the ancient mountain ranges at the same time the location of the rocks and fossils match up in totality. The modern earth science tends to rely on the concept of uniformitarianism that relates what happens now to what has always been happening. In other words, this concept indicates that earth processes remain uniform. For instance, if the fossils such as corals, of animals that live in the tropical environments are found in Britain today is evidence enough that at one time, Britain was once in a tropical climate. However, since tropical environments tend to occur around the equator today, then it is evident that at one time, Britain has been near the equator. Today, different continents possess various species of fossil animals and plants. When spreading over huge oceans, it is observed that these species cannot go over long distances indicating that at one time continents used to be together.

The continued observation of Earthquakes and Volcanoes indicate that they occur at the same plate boundaries. The vast majority of earthquakes occur at the places where plates with huge slabs of rock grind past each other. An overtime mapping of the location where all earthquakes are recorded indicates that they occur along plate boundaries in most cases. The same way, all active volcanoes apart from hot spots, special volcanoes are found on boundaries between the plates. The defined boundaries indicate the depth of earthquakes in what can be seen as an explanation of the movement of the continents. Pacific Plate gets deeper and deeper to the extent of melting into underlying mantle when forced under the North American Plate.

Further evidence has been found in the geochemical rock analysis showing earlier plate tectonics among the oldest rock structures of the earth. The materials in the well-preserved rock structure were as a result of seafloor formed along a spreading center and accumulated to a continental plate to survive for many years. The study presents further modern evidence of the plate tectonic occurrence as continents moved.

The preservation of magnetic particles occurs as the rock cools and solidifies. Deducing the original latitude of rock formation involves measuring the magnetic particles inclination in the rocks. Magnetic analogies have helped scientists to prove the seafloor spreading since the magnetic field of the earth reverses the polarity once the seafloor spread. Then the polarity of the earth’s magnetic field is observed in the rocks upon reversal.

Thus, it is true that scientists have found fresh evidence that shows the occurrence of the plate tectonics. In a move to disapprove the theory presented earlier by Wagener, scientists indicate that there is uniformity in the location of rocks and fossils. This shows that the process has been retained over the years to confirm that at one time the continents existed together. Also, an indication that the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanoes happen at the plate boundaries in almost similar manner shows the continental movement. Hence, this evidence is new as the scientists continue to discover much in plate tectonics.

 
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