Chapter 27, Problem 12RQ

To determine

Plate tectonics in one simple statement

Answer to Problem 12RQ

According to the theory given by the Wegner, the plate tectonics can be described in one simple statement.

Explanation of Solution

According to Wegner’s hypothesis theory, the lithosphere is divided into eight large plates and many smaller plates that ride atop the plastic asthenosphere (Denser and the weaker layer beneath the lithosphere mantle, which lies about the 100 to 410 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface). Due to convection currents in the asthenosphere, these plates and hence the continents drift as hypothesized.

The example for the plate tectonics is Gondwanaland, which was a supercontinent that existed about 300 million years ago. It is a major continental block of South America, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India, Antarctica, and Australia.

Conclusion:

Therefore, according to the theory given by the Wegner, the plate tectonics can be described in one simple statement.