why is the plate tectonic theory accepted today over the continental drift theory?
The plate tectonic theory is generally accepted today over the continental drift theory because it provides a more comprehensive and well-supported explanation for the movement of Earth's crustal plates.
One of the primary reasons why the plate tectonic theory gained acceptance is the development of more advanced technologies that allowed scientists to collect more accurate and precise data. With the advent of satellite imagery, GPS, and seafloor mapping techniques, scientists were able to conduct extensive research, gather substantial evidence, and demonstrate the movement of the Earth's lithosphere.
Additionally, the plate tectonic theory is supported by multiple lines of evidence from different fields of study, including geophysics, seismology, paleomagnetism, and paleontology. These disciplines have provided overwhelming evidence of plate movements, such as the matching fossil evidence between continents, the identification of seismic activity along plate boundaries, and the discovery of magnetic stripes on the seafloor.
Furthermore, the plate tectonic theory can also explain a wide range of geologic phenomena that the continental drift theory struggles to address. It offers a coherent explanation for the formation of various geological features like mountains, volcanoes, oceanic trenches, and rift zones. It also explains phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and the distribution of natural resources.
Overall, the plate tectonic theory provides a more comprehensive and scientifically supported explanation for the movement of the Earth's crust and its associated geological phenomena. It has become widely accepted by the scientific community due to the integration of advanced technologies and the accumulation of substantial evidence from various fields of study.