1. Label the cross-section of the Earth below.
- Inner Core
- Outer Core
- Mantle
- Crust
- Lithosphere (includes crust and upper mantle)
- Asthenosphere (part of upper mantle)
2. Why was Wegener’s theory of continental drift ridiculed when it was first proposed?
Wegener’s theory was ridiculed because he could not provide a convincing mechanism for how continents moved. At the time, scientists believed the Earth’s crust was rigid and immobile, and there was no known force strong enough to move continents. Additionally, his evidence, such as matching coastlines and fossil distributions, was considered circumstantial and not sufficient to overturn established geological theories.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of tectonic plates worksheet.
