Why Do Some Geophysicists Support the Expanding Earth Hypothesis?

  • Thread starter Thread starter DiamondGeezer
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Expanding
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Expanding Earth hypothesis, which posits that the Earth is increasing in radius, contrary to established plate tectonics theory. A minority of geophysicists and field geologists support this hypothesis, often using selective evidence and misrepresenting scientific figures like Alfred Wegener to bolster their claims. Critics argue that proponents fail to provide measurable evidence for Earth's expansion, leading to skepticism about the hypothesis's validity. The topic is deemed controversial and has been closed on PhysicsForum due to its lack of scientific support.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plate tectonics theory
  • Familiarity with Alfred Wegener's contributions to geology
  • Knowledge of scientific evidence evaluation techniques
  • Awareness of the scientific method and hypothesis testing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the scientific consensus on plate tectonics and its implications
  • Explore Alfred Wegener's theories and their impact on modern geology
  • Investigate methods for measuring geological changes over time
  • Examine case studies of controversial scientific hypotheses and their critiques
USEFUL FOR

Geophysicists, geology students, science communicators, and anyone interested in the debate surrounding Earth's geological theories.

DiamondGeezer
Messages
126
Reaction score
0
Before you leap up and down on my virtual corpse: no I don't give much credence to it

For some reason amongst some (a very few) geophysicists and field geologists, a hypothesis that plate tectonics is wrong and that the Earth is expanding in radius has been in vogue (I have no real idea why)

In order to understand this phenomenon, I would like to ask the august members of PhysicsForum to provide links to resources on the Expanding Earth hypothesis especially on the evidence one way or the other.

One of the things I have found in this process is that believers in the Expanding Earth (expanders?) are very adept at quote mining, hiding behind Alfred Wegener's coattails (the geophysical equivalent of Galileo), and dealing with physical evidence in a very roundabout way (ie they make claims for the supposed Earth's current expansion without ever explaining why such an expansion cannot be measured).

I have no idea where this might lead.
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
23K