When exploring the ocean floor, what is one geological feature discovered that supported Wegner’s theory?
a. increased marine life around plates
b. underwater mountain ranges
c. shipwrecks on the ocean floor
d. different temperatures of the water
b. underwater mountain ranges
To determine which geological feature discovered supports Wegner's theory of plate tectonics when exploring the ocean floor, let me explain how to approach this question.
Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, which later developed into the theory of plate tectonics. According to this theory, the Earth's continents move gradually over time due to the movement and interaction of rigid lithospheric plates.
To find the geological feature that supports Wegner's theory, we must look for evidence of plate movement or interaction on the ocean floor.
a. Increased marine life around plates: Although the presence of marine life could indicate certain environmental conditions, it does not directly support Wegner's theory of plate tectonics.
b. Underwater mountain ranges: This is a geological feature that supports Wegner's theory. Underwater mountain ranges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, are formed by volcanic activity at divergent plate boundaries, where plates are moving apart. These mountain ranges provide evidence of the movement of tectonic plates.
c. Shipwrecks on the ocean floor: While shipwrecks might be interesting from a historical perspective, they do not directly relate to plate tectonics or support Wegner's theory.
d. Different temperatures of the water: While variations in water temperature occur throughout the world's oceans, they are not directly related to plate tectonics or supportive of Wegner's theory.
Therefore, the correct answer is b. Underwater mountain ranges, as they are a significant geological feature discovered in the ocean that supports Wegner's theory of plate tectonics.