Theories Vs.
Laws
Theory
A theory is the explanation of
the observational data set
forward in the form of a law. In
simple words, a theory is the
reasoning behind a law. It may
also be put as an advanced or
evolved hypothesis.
“Hypothesis” is a probable
reason behind any observation.
Law
According to science, a law
is a generalized statement
set after a number of
observations. A law has no
explanations or exceptions
when it is framed. It is an
obvious fact recorded after
observations.
 Diastrophism

Or TECTONISM refers
to the deformation of
Earth’s crust which
leads to the
formation of different
landforms and other
features.
 Earth’s Movement

1 2
Uplift Subsidence
Refers to the movement The sinking of the crust.
in which crust rises.

3
Thrust
Refers to the horizontal
movement of the Earth
crust.
 1 2

3
Products of Diastrophism
Theories of
Diastrophism
 Theory of Isostacy

The term isostacy comes

from the Greek ìsos which
means “equal,” and stásis
which means “standstill.”
The theory refers to the
balance of crust such that
it floats and elevates on a
denser material based on
its density and thickness .
 Contraction Theory
The contraction theory
states that Earth is sinking
through geological time. As
it shrinks, the bigger chunks
and blocks of crust are
pushed downwards; and
they eventually sink. The
lighter and the smaller
chunks are then
compressed and pushed
upward.
Convection theory

The convection current

theory states that the
crusts and rocks are
pushed by convection
currents. As the rocks are
pushed, they tend to
move upward. This
movement causes the
folding and deformation in
the crust.
 Expansion theory

The expansion
theory states that
earth is expanding
in size and mass
that the distance
of continents from
one another is
increasing as well.
 Continental Drift theory

Alfred Wegener
believes that the
Earth was once
made up of a
single large
landmass called
Pangaea that
broke and drifted
to their current
locations.