The first difference is that the theory of plate tectonics disproved parts of the continental drift theory. So for example when the theory of continental drift stated that the continents just plowed through oceanic crust, the theory of plate tectonics said it was because of convection currents (Plate 1). These theories were all believed at different times, the continental drift theory for example was only accepted after the creation of the theory of plate tectonics, which was many years after the theory was originally constructed, while the theory of plate tectonics was accepted right after it was originally created (Intro 1). The next difference is the fact that continental drift focuses on continental crust, sea-floor spreading focuses on oceanic crust, and plate tectonics focus on both, therefore they all focus on different layers of the Earth’s crust (Alfred 1). Another difference is that different scientists formed different theories. Harry H. Hess formed the theory of sea-floor spreading, while Wegener composed the theory of continental drift. (Allaby 1). Finally, the last difference is in general they are all different in what they state. Sea-floor spreading states how trenches release magma that adds new oceanic crust. Continental drift states that continents “drift”around earth’s surface and were once part of a supercontinent, called Pangaea. Plate tectonics state how different sections of the Earth move around (Continental 1). The theories all represent and state something different, and are supported with different pieces of
The first difference is that the theory of plate tectonics disproved parts of the continental drift theory. So for example when the theory of continental drift stated that the continents just plowed through oceanic crust, the theory of plate tectonics said it was because of convection currents (Plate 1). These theories were all believed at different times, the continental drift theory for example was only accepted after the creation of the theory of plate tectonics, which was many years after the theory was originally constructed, while the theory of plate tectonics was accepted right after it was originally created (Intro 1). The next difference is the fact that continental drift focuses on continental crust, sea-floor spreading focuses on oceanic crust, and plate tectonics focus on both, therefore they all focus on different layers of the Earth’s crust (Alfred 1). Another difference is that different scientists formed different theories. Harry H. Hess formed the theory of sea-floor spreading, while Wegener composed the theory of continental drift. (Allaby 1). Finally, the last difference is in general they are all different in what they state. Sea-floor spreading states how trenches release magma that adds new oceanic crust. Continental drift states that continents “drift”around earth’s surface and were once part of a supercontinent, called Pangaea. Plate tectonics state how different sections of the Earth move around (Continental 1). The theories all represent and state something different, and are supported with different pieces of