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They are simillar Because they involve plate tectonics and they both move in the same direction they are different because sea floor spreading takes place in the ocean and continantal drift takes place anywhere in the world on land and of not on land

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Continental drift theory suggests that continents were once connected in a supercontinent called Pangaea that broke apart, while plate tectonic theory explains this movement through the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates on Earth's surface. Plate tectonic theory provides a more comprehensive explanation of the movement of not only continents but also oceanic crust, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Both theories helped to revolutionize our understanding of the Earth's geology and are interconnected in explaining the dynamic processes shaping our planet.

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Q: Compare and contrast plate tectonic theory to continental drift theory?
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How is plate tectonic theory different from continental drift theory?

Plate tectonic theory includes the concept of seafloor spreading and explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move on the asthenosphere. Continental drift theory was an early hypothesis that suggested the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and moved apart to their current positions. Plate tectonic theory builds upon the idea of continental drift by providing a more comprehensive explanation of the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


Who is credited with the plate tectonic theory?

The plate tectonic theory was primarily developed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. He proposed the idea of continental drift, which later laid the foundation for our modern understanding of plate tectonics.


Can you use the word continental drift in a sentence?

Continental drift is the theory that Earth's continents move slowly over time due to the movement of tectonic plates.


What is the therory that explains the movement of tectonic plates?

The theory that explains the movement of tectonic plates is called Plate Tectonics. It states that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. The movement of these plates is driven by processes like mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push.


What is the theory called the explains how the continents moved apart?

The theory that explains how continents moved apart is called plate tectonics. It proposes that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that move and interact with each other, causing phenomena like continental drift, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

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What two ways is the plate tectonic theory different from the ideas of the continental drift?

The plate tectonic theory expands on the idea of continental drift by incorporating the movement of the Earth's lithosphere into rigid plates. This theory also explains how these plates interact at their boundaries, causing phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity. In contrast, continental drift primarily focused on the movement of continents across the Earth's surface without explaining the mechanism behind it.


How does the motion of the tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How are tectonic plate movements similar?

"Plate tectonics" is a fancy word for "Continental Drift". In both theories the continents move.


How does the motion of tectonic plates relate continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


How does motion of tectonic plates relate to continental drift?

Continental drift is the theory that "plates" on the Earth are constantly in motion and have been for millions of years. Tectonic plates are the actual moving plates.


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How is plate tectonic theory different from continental drift theory?

Plate tectonic theory includes the concept of seafloor spreading and explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move on the asthenosphere. Continental drift theory was an early hypothesis that suggested the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and moved apart to their current positions. Plate tectonic theory builds upon the idea of continental drift by providing a more comprehensive explanation of the movement of Earth's lithosphere.


What are the Diastrophic movements of the earth?

*Plate tectonic theory *continental drift theory *convection theory *expansion theory theories of diastrophism and diastrophic movements of the earth have the same meaning


How is a mountain formed by colliding continental plates?

In theory, tectonic plates. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html