Frederick Vine

Definition

Frederick Vine is a geophysicist best known for his pivotal role in the development of the theory of plate tectonics, particularly through his research on magnetic anomalies and paleomagnetism. He, along with his colleague Dr. Drummond Matthews, proposed the Vine-Matthews hypothesis, which explained how oceanic crust records Earth's magnetic field reversals as it forms at mid-ocean ridges. This idea helped to solidify the understanding of seafloor spreading and the dynamics of plate tectonics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Frederick Vine's work was instrumental in demonstrating that magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor correspond to the timing of magnetic field reversals, providing evidence for seafloor spreading.
2. The Vine-Matthews hypothesis laid the groundwork for our current understanding of plate tectonics by linking magnetic evidence with geological processes occurring at mid-ocean ridges.
3. Vine's research in the 1960s provided a key piece of evidence that showed how oceanic plates are formed and move, impacting our understanding of continental drift.
4. His contributions helped establish a more comprehensive model of Earth's geology, which integrated observations from various scientific fields such as geology, geophysics, and oceanography.
5. Frederick Vine's work also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge about Earth’s processes.

Review Questions

• How did Frederick Vine's research contribute to the understanding of magnetic anomalies and their relationship to plate tectonics?
  • Frederick Vine's research revealed that magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor are directly related to the history of Earth's magnetic field reversals. He proposed that as magma rises at mid-ocean ridges and solidifies, it records these magnetic reversals. This discovery was critical because it provided concrete evidence for seafloor spreading, supporting the broader theory of plate tectonics and showing how Earth's geological features are connected to its magnetic history.
• In what ways did the Vine-Matthews hypothesis change previous concepts about seafloor spreading and tectonic plate movements?
  • The Vine-Matthews hypothesis revolutionized previous concepts by clearly linking the patterns of magnetic anomalies with the age and formation of oceanic crust. Prior to this hypothesis, the mechanisms behind seafloor spreading were not well understood. By showing that these anomalies reflected historical geomagnetic reversals, Vine and Matthews provided a compelling framework that explained how oceanic plates form and migrate over time, integrating this knowledge into the larger context of plate tectonics.
• Evaluate the impact Frederick Vine's work has had on modern geoscience and our understanding of Earth’s geological processes.
  • Frederick Vine's work has had a profound impact on modern geoscience by fundamentally shaping our understanding of Earth's geological processes through the lens of plate tectonics. His research not only clarified the mechanisms behind seafloor spreading but also integrated multiple disciplines like geology, geophysics, and oceanography. This interdisciplinary approach has influenced countless studies since then, leading to advancements in understanding earthquakes, volcanic activity, and even resource exploration, highlighting how interconnected these geological processes are with human activities.

Related terms

Paleomagnetism: The study of the record of the Earth's magnetic field in rocks, sediment, or archeological materials, crucial for understanding historical geomagnetic reversals.

Seafloor Spreading:

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and pushed away from the ridge, contributing to the movement of tectonic plates.

Magnetic Anomalies: Variations in the Earth's magnetic field caused by different geological features that can reveal patterns of seafloor spreading and tectonic activity.