Continental Drift

Front

What is Continental Drift Theory (CDT)?

Back

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

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What evidence supports Continental Drift Theory?

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Evidence includes similar mountain ranges on different continents, fossils of similar plants and animals found globally, and the fit of continental coastlines.

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What was Pangea?

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Pangea was a supercontinent that existed about 335 million years ago, which eventually broke apart into the continents we know today.

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What are Gondwanaland and Laurasia?

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They are the two landmasses that formed after Pangea broke apart, with Gondwanaland in the southern hemisphere and Laurasia in the northern hemisphere.

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How does seafloor spreading support Continental Drift Theory?

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Seafloor spreading creates new oceanic crust, pushing continents apart and providing evidence that they are moving.

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What role do fossils play in supporting CDT?

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

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What is the significance of matching geological features on different continents?

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Matching geological features, like mountain ranges, indicate that continents were once part of the same landmass.

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What is the concept of plate tectonics?

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Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, causing continental drift.

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What evidence did glaciers provide for CDT?

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Glacial deposits found in warm climates suggest that continents were once located in different positions, supporting the idea of continental drift.

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What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

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Oceanic crust is thinner and denser, while continental crust is thicker and less dense.