Continental Drift Theory

Front

What is the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

A scientific theory that explains how continents have moved over geological time, suggesting they were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

Fossil evidence, rock formation evidence, and climate evidence.

Front

What is rock formation evidence?

Back

Evidence that shows how similar rock types and structures are found on different continents, indicating they were once connected.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is fossil evidence?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents, suggesting those continents were once joined.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Front

What is the significance of the Appalachian and Caledonian Mountains in the context of Continental Drift?

Back

They align and are made of the same rock types, supporting the idea that these continents were once connected.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is the role of cartographers in the study of Continental Drift?

Back

Cartographers create maps that help visualize the positions of continents and their movements over time.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What did early cartographers notice about the continents?

Back

They observed that continents fit together like puzzle pieces, suggesting they were once part of a larger landmass.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all continents were joined together.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

A scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which includes the movement of continents.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5