ppt课件-plate tectonics（板块构造论）.pptVIP

Plate Tectonics Chapter 2 Scientific Method 1. Observation (fact) This is a repeatable measurement or experiment 2. Hypothesis One or more possible explanations to link observations 3. Testing Further experiment or observation to test hypothesis Non-testable hypotheses also rejected 4. Theory A grand or unifying hypothesis that has survived tests Relativity, Evolution, Plate tectonics 1. Observation:Early Evidence (Wegener) The geometric fit of the continents. The similarity in rock age groups between adjoining regions. The similarity in Paleozoic fossils between adjoining areas. The distribution of Paleozoic glaciation in S.America, S.Africa, Australia, and India. Early Objections Mantle is solid (Transmits S-waves). How can continents move and remain intact? What is the driving force? Compelling New Evidence: Magnetic Anomalies Magnetic minerals such as magnetite (Fe3O4) record Earth’s field. They also perturb the field by a small amount. Perturbations are called magnetic anomalies. Anomalies can be mapped using magnetometers dragged behind aircraft or ships. Magnetic Anomalies Anomalies were first solid evidence of sea-floor spreading. Here was a credible hypothesis that demanded testing. 2. The Hypothesis: The continents have moved (drifted) over geologic time so that North and South America have separated from Europe and Africa. 3. Test the Hypothesis The hypothesis makes several predictions that allow it to be tested by further observation. Rocks in adjoining parts of Africa and South America should be similar in age and type. Rocks on Atlantic floor should get younger toward the mid-ocean ridge. New bathymetric measurements define the continental crust boundary. Do South America and Africa still fit together? If crust is being created at mid-ocean ridges, it should also be consumed. Where is the crust consumed? There needs to be a driving force. 3. Test the Hypothesis Rocks in adjoining parts of Africa and South America were age-dated using new radio