Topic 5 Evidence

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Heated magma rises to Earth's crust, spreading it apart and moving each plate.

Front

What evidence best supports the theory that the continents have moved over time?

Back

The shape of the landmasses seem to fit together.

Front

What is the name of the giant landmass that existed over 200 million years ago when all continents were together?

Back

Pangaea

Front

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fit of the continents, matching fossil evidence, and similar rock formations.

Front

Which piece of fossil evidence would suggest the Earth's plates are moving?

Back

Fossils of tropical species found in Antarctica.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time from one location to another.

Front

What is the significance of matching fossil evidence in different continents?

Back

It suggests that continents were once connected and have since drifted apart.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in plate tectonics?

Back

Ocean currents can influence the movement of tectonic plates by affecting the heat distribution in the ocean.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.