The theory of plate tectonics has changed the way of seeing things in the field of earth sciences. Plate tectonics, a theory of the dynamics of the Earth's outer shell, the lithosphere, rests on geologic and geophysical data, and dominates current thinking in the Earth sciences (Dawson, n.pag). It has served as a unifying model or paradigm for explaining geologic phenomena that were formerly considered in unrelated fashion (Britannica, n.pag.).
The plate tectonic theory states that the crust of the earth is made up of irregular pieces of rocks, usually different in their chemical composition and thickness. The movement of these rocks or plates is known as tectonic movement.
The foundation of plate tectonics is based on the theories of continental drift and seafloor spreading. It incorporates the idea of crustal movement, which was first conceptualised by Wegener in his theory of continental drift. It also incorporates the idea of sea floor spreading, which states that the surface of ocean gets extended when plates or rocks beneath the sea move apart. The plate tectonics theory combines these two studies and describes that the continental and oceanic plates, by the virtue of their difference in chemical composition and thickness, help maintain the balance.
These theories affect our lives as it leads to formation of different land forms. They help create mountains, valley and volcano. Thus, they also affect the climate of earth significantly. There would not be any of these without continental drifts, seafloor spreading and plate tectonics. The earth would be very different without them as origin of life would not have been congenial then. It would have also rendered the earth static, without any biological diversity.
Works Cited
Britannica. “Earth Sciences”. Britannica.Com, 2012. Web. 26 Oct.2012
Dawson, James P. “In the Days of Peleg”. Drjpdawson.Com, 1998. Web. 26 Oct. 2012
