GEOLOGY 1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: True Polar Wander, Continental Drift, Falsifiability
Document Summary
Wegener suggested that continents once fit together and later drifted apart. Hypothesis: either a suggested explanation for an observable phenomenon, or a reasoned prediction of a possible causal correlation among multiple phenomena. (in science: well tested/well-substantiated, unifying explanation for a set of verifiable, proven factors). Theory: always backed by evidence; a hypothesis is only a suggested possible. Wegner"s hypothesis: (evidence) outcome, and is testable and falsifiable. The distribution of climatic belts: climate zones (ex: glacial striation), Critics went to great lengths to explain away wegner"s evidence. No reasonable, geological way to do it. Theory envisioned the continents sliding over the mantle, but geophysical data indicated crustal rocks would shatter if pushed. Result: continental drift was not generally accepted. 1977 heezen and tharp world ocean map. Youngest part of the ocean is at the ridge. Magnetic force lines complicated form loops with north and south poles magnets will line up with force lines.
