Continental Drift Theory

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

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The Continental Drift Theory is the idea that continents were once part of a single landmass called Pangaea, which broke apart and drifted to their current locations.

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What is Pangaea?

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Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, around 335 million years ago, before it began to break apart.

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What evidence supports the Continental Drift Theory?

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Evidence includes the fit of the continents, fossil similarities across continents, and geological similarities in rock formations.

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What is the Earth's crust?

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The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid rock, and is where we live.

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What is the mantle?

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The mantle is the layer of the Earth located beneath the crust, made of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

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What is the outer core?

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The outer core is the layer of the Earth beneath the mantle, composed of liquid iron and nickel.

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What is the inner core?

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The inner core is the solid innermost layer of the Earth, made primarily of iron and nickel.

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How do tectonic plates relate to Continental Drift?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact, causing continents to drift apart or collide.

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What is sea-floor spreading?

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Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and pushes older crust away.

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What role do fossils play in supporting the Continental Drift Theory?

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Fossils of the same species found on different continents suggest that these continents were once connected.