Question

Based on early observations, including those in the table below, scientists proposed that the continents were once together but had drifted apart. However, scientists could not identify anything that would make them move. New technology, such as a worldwide network of earthquake detectors, led to new observations. Then scientists proposed that Earth’s surface was divided into tectonic plates that would move as a result of forces linked to earthquakes and the formation of new ocean floor
How are continental drift and plate tectonics related?
Continental drift was the hypothesis that led to the theory of plate tectonics.
Continental drift was the theory that became the law of plate tectonics.
The theory of continental drift was modified based on the new observations to become the theory of plate tectonics.
The theory of continental drift was proven false, and the law of plate tectonics took its place.

Answer 1

Answer: The theory of continental drift was modified based on the new observations to become the theory of plate tectonics.

The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener, a geophysicist and meteorologist, in 1912. His theory introduced many concepts that are now used in the theory of plate tectonics, such as the idea of the movement of continents as well as the existence of an original supercontinent (Pangea).

However, this theory was still flawed, and new evidence eventually was discovered, which led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics. This theory states that continents are moving very slowly and independently from each other, at a rate of about a yard a century.