Continental Drift and EQ and Volcanoes #2

Front

What is the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often used as evidence for the theory of Continental Drift.

Front

What is the significance of the fossil Glossopteris in the context of Continental Drift?

Back

Glossopteris is a fossilized plant that provides evidence for the theory of Continental Drift, indicating that continents were once connected.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is magma?

Back

Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is lava?

Back

Magma that has reached the Earth's surface.

Front

How fast do continents move?

Back

Continents move very slowly, typically only a few centimeters per year.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What causes volcanic eruptions?

Back

Volcanic eruptions are caused by the movement of magma to the Earth's surface, often due to tectonic plate interactions.

Front

Why did scientists initially reject Wegener's theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Scientists did not believe Wegener's theory because it lacked a clear explanation for how the continents moved.