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Vine-Matthews-Morley Hypothesis

Geophysics

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The Vine-Matthews-Morley hypothesis, also known as the Morley-Vine-Matthews hypothesis, was the first key scientific test of the seafloor spreading theory that underlies continental drift and plate tectonics. It holds that the oceanic crust records reversals of the Earth's geomagnetic field as new crust forms and spreads outward from a mid-ocean ridge, leaving a symmetric pattern of magnetic stripes on either side. Its chief impact was making it possible to calculate the rate at which tectonic plates move apart at mid-ocean ridges.

Facts
Origin Year
1963 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Proposed By

Sources
1. Vine-Matthews-Morley Hypothesis (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationHistory section, paragraph on Vine and Matthews publishing the theory
Quote, History section, paragraph on Vine and Matthews publishing the theory
Vine and his PhD adviser at Cambridge University, Drummond Hoyle Matthews, were first to publish the theory in September 1963.
View the Source
1. Vine-Matthews-Morley Hypothesis (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationProposed By: Fred Vine, History section, paragraph naming Vine and Matthews as first to publish
Quote, Proposed By: Fred Vine, History section, paragraph naming Vine and Matthews as first to publish
Vine and his PhD adviser at Cambridge University, Drummond Hoyle Matthews, were first to publish the theory in September 1963.
View the Source
1. Vine-Matthews-Morley Hypothesis (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationProposed By: Drummond Matthews, History section, paragraph naming Vine and Matthews as first to publish (Matthews credit)
Quote, Proposed By: Drummond Matthews, History section, paragraph naming Vine and Matthews as first to publish (Matthews credit)
Vine and his PhD adviser at Cambridge University, Drummond Hoyle Matthews, were first to publish the theory in September 1963.
View the Source
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