2007-08-29 11:18:27 · 6 answers · asked by me m 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
me m,
A theory is an explanatory framework that is capable explaining a wide variety of observations about a given topic, and is also capable of generating testable predictions. It is composed of many different hypotheses that all have a great deal of experimental support and have stood the test of time, which work together to explain all the phenomena in question.
The theory of plate tectonics is a framework for explaining many observations about the earth. This framework says that the outer portion of the earth is composed of many rigid plates, collectively known as the 'lithosphere'. These plates slide around, run into each other, move apart from each other, slide past each other, or even slide underneath each other all on top of a layer of a more fluid, plastic layer called the 'asthenosphere'. There are many details involved, but this is the basic idea behind plate tectonics.
Edit: Hey... who is "thumbs-downing" answers here? atomzer0 and doc d's answers are right on target! It's not very nice to go around thumbs-downing perfectly valid answers without posting any explanation of your own...
2007-08-29 15:40:53 · answer #1 · answered by mnrlboy 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
a theory is a hypothesis that has been proven over and over again. The theory of plate tectonics says that all the continents were connected into a super continent. But over time they floated apart on magma and came to be where they are today
2007-08-29 18:39:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you take a handful of facts and glue them together with logical assumptions you get a theory. The theory is probably true, but there aren't enough facts to ever know for sure.
Plate Tectonics basically states that the entire surface of the earth (continents and oceans) rest on plates that gradually move. This motion causes earthquakes, volcanoes etc. It also moves the continents bit by bit.
2007-08-29 19:29:51 · answer #3 · answered by atomzer0 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
mnrlboy's answer is excellent!
Its worth reinforcing the fact that theories are developed to explain existing observations. I've read so many comments (usually about evolution....) along the lines of "its only a theory, where's the evidence" ....when actually, the theory was only developed as a CONSEQUENCE of the evidence.
2007-08-30 05:31:56 · answer #4 · answered by doc d 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
that all the plates were once connected and moved apart over millions of years
2007-08-29 18:25:45 · answer #5 · answered by qtpiesydney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wtf is that
2007-08-29 18:25:19 · answer #6 · answered by OkayLetsGo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋