1answer.
Ask question
Login Signup
Ask question
All categories
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Business
  • History
  • Health
  • Geography
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computers and Technology
  • Arts
  • World Languages
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • SAT
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
Oliga [24]
3 years ago
9

Why was Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory not initially accepted by the scientific community?

Social Studies
2 answers:
mrs_skeptik [129]3 years ago
4 0
The main reason that Wegener's hypothesis was not accepted was because he suggested no mechanism for moving the continents. He thought the force of Earth's spin was sufficient to cause continents to move, but geologists knew that rocks are too strong for this to be true. Alfred Wegener (1880-1930)
Except for a few converts, and those like Cloos who couldn't accept the concept but was clearly fascinated by it, the international geological community's reaction to Wegener's theory was militantly hostile. American geologist Frank Taylor had published a similar theory in 1910, but most of his colleagues had simply ignored it. Wegener's more cogent and comprehensive work, however, was impossible to ignore and ignited a firestorm of rage and rancor. Moreover, most of the blistering attacks were aimed at Wegener himself, an outsider who seemed to be attacking the very foundations of geology. Because of this abuse,Wegener could not get a professorship at any German university. Fortunately, the University of Graz in Austria was more tolerant of controversy, and in 1924 it appointed him professor of meteorology and geophysics.

In 1926 Wegener was invited to an international symposium in New York called to discuss his theory. Though he found some supporters, many speakers were sarcastic to the point of insult. Wegener said little. He just sat smoking his pipe and listening. His attitude seems to have mirrored that of Galileo who, forced to recant Copernicus' theory that the Earth moves around the sun, is said to have murmured, "Nevertheless, it moves!"

Scientifically, of course, Wegener's case was not as good as Galileo's, which was based on mathematics. His major problem was finding a force or forces that could make the continents "plow around in the mantle," as one critic put it. Wegener tentatively suggested two candidates: centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the Earth, and tidal-type waves in the Earth itself generated by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon.

He realized these forces were inadequate. "It is probable the complete solution of the problem of the forces will be a long time coming," he predicted in his last (1929) revision. "The Newton of drift theory has not yet appeared."

Wegener noted, however, that one thing was certain:

The forces which displace continents are the same as those which produce great fold-mountain ranges. Continental drift, faults and compressions, earthquakes, volcanicity, [ocean] transgression cycles and [apparent] polar wandering are undoubtedly connected on a grand scale.
Wegener's final revison cited supporting evidence from many fields, including testimonials from scientists who found his hypothesis resolved difficulties in their disciplines much better than the old theories. Climatology was one such discipline.
bezimeni [28]3 years ago
3 0

Answer:

The main reason that Wegener's hypothesis was not accepted was because he suggested no mechanism for moving the continents. He thought the force of Earth's spin was sufficient to cause continents to move, but geologists knew that rocks are too strong for this to be true.

You might be interested in
Arthur is 65 years old and single. He supports his father, who is 90 years old, blind, and has no income. What is Arthur's stand
kotegsom [21]

Answer:

Additional sum of money will be added to Arthur's standard deduction.

Explanation:

  • The taxable income of any taxpayer gets an additional amount added to the tax money that reduces the amount, this is called as the standard deduction.
  • Any household can claim the standard deduction with the income level below certain threshold.
  • For any taxpayers whose age is 65 or even older can acquire the benefit of additional amount that gets added to their standard deduction.
7 0
4 years ago
After more than 15 years of corporate social responsibility programs, Bangladesh's garment workers are ________. some of the bes
Debora [2.8K]

Answer:

Among the worst paid in the world

Explanation:

There are over 3 million garment workers in Bangladesh that are employed by the industry. This accounts for 80% of the country's export revenue.  As of January 2020 they were paid a mere U.S.D $0.39 per hour. In this primarily based woman's industry they work over 12 hours per day and are asked to to many over-time hours that they cannot refuse in fear of getting terminated. During the times of fashion industry peaks. These workers are made to work more hours and still receive very little pay. In more recent years efforts to make the workplace fair and safe has been organized by various worker's rights groups and in time the goal is to equalize treatment and earn a true living wage.

8 0
3 years ago
U.A.E Space Mission
andrew-mc [135]

Answer:

Explanation:

Hazza Mansour went to space to orbit the earth , in the 8th day he exited the craft to feel the climate and nature of the space and also to get some information

4 0
3 years ago
Read 2 more answers
The term cultural goals refers to the goals held out for people (i.e. get a degree, get married, have a nice job). The term inst
andriy [413]

Answer:

Strain

Explanation:

According to Robert Merton society deems certain goals that a person should achieve are more important than others. These goals are known as cultural goals.

There are two ways by which these goals can be achieved: socially accepted and socially unaccepted means. If any of these ways are blocked then this leads to strain.

Hence, the frustration is called strain.

4 0
3 years ago
In which phase of matter do the particles have the highest state of energy? A.Solid B.Gas C.Plasma D.Liquid
sashaice [31]
C ) Plasma 
oooooooooooof
6 0
3 years ago
Read 2 more answers
Other questions:
  • One difference between cocaine and the amphetamines is that
    14·1 answer
  • Help me please..........
    11·1 answer
  • Some of the adaptations of desert animals include being nocturnal, burrowing, and camouflage.
    5·2 answers
  • The strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative research: what method for nursing?
    7·1 answer
  • Why is canada not an ideal place for an entrepreneur?
    12·1 answer
  • Which is an example of how the physical environment helped the Aztecs establish an empire?
    10·1 answer
  • In the 19th century, factory workers during the Industrial Revolution faced long hours, unsafe conditions, and little pay. What
    7·2 answers
  • The conflict over control of the “overseas empire” of North America was between __________ and __________.
    15·1 answer
  • What is the vision and mission statement of American Red Cross Association ​
    5·1 answer
  • What factors caused european nations to explore the western hemisphere and establism colonies?
    14·1 answer
Add answer
Login
Not registered? Fast signup
Signup
Login Signup
Ask question!