Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

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What is the theory of Continental Drift?

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The theory of Continental Drift suggests that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangea.

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What is seafloor spreading?

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Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away from the ridge.

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What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

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Evidence includes the fit of continental coastlines, fossil distribution, geological similarities, and paleoclimatic evidence.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological activity.

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What is a divergent plate boundary?

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A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in seafloor spreading.

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

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A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in subduction or mountain formation.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

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A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

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How do scientists determine the age of the seafloor?

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Scientists determine the age of the seafloor by studying the magnetic polarity of rocks and the age of the oceanic crust.

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What is Pangea?

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Pangea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, before breaking apart into the continents we know today.

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What role do mid-ocean ridges play in plate tectonics?

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Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges where new oceanic crust is created, playing a crucial role in seafloor spreading.