Correct option is B
The correct answer is (b) rotation of the earth.
- The polar-fleeing force is the centrifugal force generated due to the rotation of the Earth.
- This force causes the equatorial regions to bulge outward while the polar regions remain flattened. This phenomenon contributes to the oblate spheroid shape of the Earth.
Explanation of Other Options:
- Tides: Tides are caused by the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun, not by the Earth's rotation. Hence, this is unrelated to the polar-fleeing force.
- The gravitational attraction of the Moon and Sun: This force primarily affects the ocean tides and is unrelated to the Earth's rotation or the polar-fleeing force.
- Gravitation: Gravitation refers to the natural force of attraction between two masses. While it influences the overall structure of the Earth, it does not cause the polar-fleeing force.
Additional Information:
- Continental Drift Theory: Proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912, this theory suggests that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and drifted apart over millions of years.
- He wrote a book ‘The Origin of Continents and Oceans”.