The author of the passage mentions the "continuum" in order to A. point out a relationship between plate tectonics and the nineteenth-century geology B. explain how a theory of Newton's could influence geology and plate tectonic theory. C. distinguish between two sources of energy that contributed to the development of Earth's surface. D. point out a similarity between the surface of impactors and the surface of Earth. E. identify a feature of Shaw's view that deviates from current scientific theories.