Full Answer Section

Wegener’s theory of continental drift was not widely accepted at the time because he could not explain how the continents could move. However, in the 1960s, a new theory called plate tectonics was developed. Plate tectonics provides a mechanism for continental drift and explains many of the observations that Wegener made.

The theory of plate tectonics

The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s crust is made up of a number of plates that are constantly moving. These plates are driven by convection currents in the mantle. The plates can move past each other, collide with each other, or slide under each other.

The theory of plate tectonics helps explain the idea of continental drift by showing how the continents can move over time. When two plates collide, one plate can subduct under the other. This can cause the continents to move towards each other. When two plates move apart, new crust is formed. This can cause the continents to move away from each other.

Earthquakes and volcanoes along the Circum-Pacific Belt (Ring of Fire)

The Circum-Pacific Belt is a region of the Earth that is characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanoes. This region is also known as the Ring of Fire. The earthquakes and volcanoes in the Circum-Pacific Belt are caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

The Pacific plate is subducting under many of the other plates in the region. This subduction causes the plates to become stressed and eventually break. When the plates break, earthquakes occur. The magma that is released from the Earth’s mantle during subduction can also rise to the surface and form volcanoes.

Earthquake hazard high in California

California is located in the Circum-Pacific Belt and is therefore prone to earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault is a major fault line that runs through California. This fault line is capable of producing large earthquakes. In fact, the San Andreas Fault has produced several large earthquakes in the past, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The earthquake hazard in California is high because of the movement of tectonic plates in the region. The Pacific plate is subducting under the North American plate. This subduction causes the plates to become stressed and eventually break. When the plates break, earthquakes occur.

The earthquake hazard in California is also high because of the population density in the state. California is a very populous state and many people live in areas that are at risk of earthquakes. This makes the earthquake hazard in California even more serious.