Essay require minimum of 350 words with intext citation and references to consider from:
Trefil, J., & Hazen, R.M. (2016). The sciences: An integrated approach. Hoboken (8th ed.). NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Trefil, J., & Hazen, R.M. (2016). The sciences: An integrated approach (8th ed.). Retrieved from https://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781118545454/pages/56881520
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (n.d.). Common cold. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/commoncold/Pages/default.aspx
Shifting Continents: A Case Study in Scientific Revision
Even though you may not feel it, the earth is moving beneath your feet. The tectonic plates have been moving for millennia and have caused volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and continents to change shape. This must take an immense amount of energy. Where does it come from? The heat from the earth’s inner core drives the movement of the plates. This heat energy is left over from the formation of the earth and some comes from the decay of naturally occurring radioactive materials. Today a lot is understood about the geologic processes. However not too long ago it was a mystery how mountains were formed and why earthquakes and volcanic eruptions happened. Many hypotheses were put forward that eventually were proven false. This is a normal part of the scientific process. Whenever new discoveries force scientists to reconsider their hypotheses, theories, and data, they do just that. Therefore, people think of science as a collection of concepts that are always being revised. The shift from the theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegner in 1912 to modern plate tectonic theory is an example of this constant revision of scientific understanding as experiments generate new information.
For additional information on plate tectonics and Alfred Wegner check out this KU Science Center link:
Using what you learned about plate tectonics, Alfred Wegener, and the basics of scientific investigation from the previous units discuss the following:
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