2007-08-12 10:58:53 · 5 answers · asked by leanna1700 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yes, I came across it some years ago.
It is really an alternative to plate tectonics as a reason why the continents split. It doesn't sit well with geologists, but in a way, it is a simple concept to visualise. If the world expands, the crust will stretch apart.
The bit of science behind the theory is that the Earth's interior contains masses of water but in gas form. Now gas is compressible, so this gas is actually compressed such that its density is greater than liquid water. Then as the Earth's interior cools, some of this water gas turns into liquid water. Liquid water is known not to be commpressible, so the Earth has to expand to compensate for the increased volume.
This is not to say I go along with this. I haven't got the geological savvy to discount what current geological theory says. However, it seemed quite reasonable to me, especially when you look at a map of seabed spreading, in which the earth looks like it has been cracked open.
Remember that even a child looking at a map of South America and Africa can see how nicely their Atlantic coastlines fit, yet it took till late in the 20th century for science to stop calling that a ridiculous notion and admit that the two continents were once joined.
2007-08-12 11:19:59 · answer #1 · answered by nick s 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hello Leanna:
I did some checking on that theory to answer this question for you. The theory is based upon there being gas trapped below the Earth's crust. We all know that there are massive deposits of methane gas below the surface of the Earth. That is what we call Natural Gas. Other types of gases might also be there below the surface and not readily apparent to us surface dwellers.
There is definite movement of the tectonic plates of the Earth's surface. Multiple mountain ranges and deep oceanic trenches are obvious evidence of that. However, the idea that plate movement is caused by gas escaping...hmm-m. I am not so sure about that. I would rather think that the core of the Earth is not spinning quite as fast as the crust and something like that causes the steady (but slow) plate movement.
2007-08-12 21:22:29 · answer #2 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The earth is not expanding the plates that the continents float on are moving.
2007-08-16 14:34:09 · answer #3 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, thats not that ridiculous at all!!! Just read the link below! Our planet is undergoing an active transformation and I am quite sure that we will REALLY begin to feel it pretty soon!!
2007-08-12 18:11:33 · answer #4 · answered by Jedi squirrels 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Heh, that's ridiculous.
2007-08-12 18:01:45 · answer #5 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋