Continental Drift

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents are always moving slowly on Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

Which two continents fit together like puzzle pieces according to Wegener?

Back

South America and Africa.

Front

What did Alfred Wegener study in school?

Back

Meteorology and Astronomy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Front

What tool did Alfred Wegener use to track weather patterns?

Back

Hot Air Balloons.

Front

What is the main evidence for Continental Drift?

Back

The fit of continental coastlines, fossil similarities, and geological similarities across continents.

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.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large pieces of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges in Continental Drift?

Back

They are sites where new oceanic crust is formed, pushing continents apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the difference between Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics?

Back

Continental Drift refers specifically to the movement of continents, while Plate Tectonics encompasses the movement of all tectonic plates, including oceanic and continental plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3