
FAQ About Marie Tharp

What is plate tectonics, and how did Marie Tharp contribute to its understanding?
Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale motion of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates. Marie Tharp contributed to its understanding by creating the first comprehensive maps of the ocean floor, which clearly illustrated features such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and other underwater mountain ranges, supporting the mechanism of seafloor spreading.