Plate Tectonics - The Theory That Changed Earth Science

Delve into the groundbreaking theory of plate tectonics in this captivating 37-minute podcast episode from AGU's Third Pod from the Sun series. Explore the revolutionary discoveries that reshaped our understanding of Earth's structure and dynamics through the firsthand account of Xavier Le Pichon, a key figure in the plate tectonics revolution. Learn about the pivotal research cruise aboard the R/V Vema that set out to confirm the existence of the mid-ocean ridge system, and how this led to the development of seafloor spreading theory. Gain insights into the scientific advancements of the 1950s and 60s that culminated in the solidification of plate tectonic theory, including Le Pichon's work on the first global plate kinematic model and ancient Earth reconstructions. Discover the challenges faced by young scientists as they confronted long-held scientific beliefs and transformed the field of Earth science.