what is the theory that helps explain how the earth's topography is formed and how it changes?
plate tectonics
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html
The theory that helps explain how Earth's topography is formed and changes is known as plate tectonics. Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the movement and interaction of large sections of Earth's lithosphere (the rigid outer layer of the planet, consisting of the crust and upper mantle). This theory helps explain the formation of mountains, oceans, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, as well as the shifting of continents over geologic time.
To understand how plate tectonics works, one must consider that Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large, rigid plates that float and move on the semi-fluid layer below, called the asthenosphere. These plates are constantly in motion, albeit slowly (a few centimeters per year). The interactions and collisions between these plates result in various geological phenomena that shape the Earth's topography.
To get a deeper understanding of plate tectonics, you can explore the following steps:
1. Study the structure of the Earth's layers: Learn about the Earth's internal structure, including the crust, mantle, and core. Understand the differences between the lithosphere and asthenosphere.
2. Learn about plate boundaries: Discover the different types of plate boundaries, such as divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries. Each type of boundary has distinct characteristics and leads to different geological features.
3. Understand plate movements: Examine the driving forces behind plate motion, including convection currents in the mantle. These currents cause the plates to move apart, collide, or slide past one another.
4. Explore specific landforms and events: Investigate how plate tectonics explains the formation of mountains (such as the Himalayas), the creation of oceanic ridges and trenches, the occurrence of earthquakes, and the eruption of volcanoes.
5. Study evidence supporting plate tectonics: Learn about various lines of evidence, such as the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries, the matching coastlines of continents, and the fossil records found on different continents.
By following these steps and delving into the scientific research behind plate tectonics, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how Earth's topography is formed and evolves over time.