direct observation of the important properties of the Earth system controlled laboratory experimentation on a simulation of geological systems methodical testing of a valid hypothesis statement inquiry into the causes of observed geological phenomena
I gave my students this multiple choice question: The discovery of tectonic plates and the cause of their movement is best described as a result of which scientific procedure?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- direct observation of the important properties of the Earth system
- controlled laboratory experimentation on a simulation of geological systems
- methodical testing of a valid hypothesis statement
- inquiry into the causes of observed geological phenomena

Could you tell me which one is correct?

inquiry into the causes of observed geological phenomena