Plate Tectonics Theory

The theory, or idea, of plate tectonics says that Earth’s outer layer is made up of large, moving pieces called plates. 

German meteorologist Alfred Wegener is often credited as the first to develop a theory of plate tectonics, in the form of continental drift. 

Bringing together a large mass of geologic and paleontological data, Wegener postulated that throughout most of geologic time there was only one continent, which he called Pangea, and the breakup of this continent heralded Earth’s current continental configuration as the continent-sized parts began to move away from one another. 

Scientists discovered later that Pangea fragmented early in the Jurassic Period. Wegener presented the idea of continental drift and some of the supporting evidence in a lecture in 1912, followed by his major published work, The Origin of Continents and Oceans (1915).

All of Earth’s land and water sit on these plates. The plates are made of solid rock. Under the plates is a weaker layer of partially melted rock. The plates are constantly moving over this weaker layer.

Watch this video if you want to know more:

Enjoy!