Theory of Continental Drift Flashcard

Front

Describe the Theory of Continental Drift using ALL the key words from the word bank below: drift(-ed)(-ing), continents, Pangaea, supercontinent, millions of years.

Back

drift(-ed)(-ing), continents, Pangaea, supercontinent, millions of years

Answer explanation

The Theory of Continental Drift suggests that continents drifted apart from a single supercontinent called Pangaea over millions of years, leading to the current positions of the continents.

Front

Name 2 land features that are formed at these types of boundaries: Divergent and Convergent.

Back

Divergent: Mid-ocean ridge/Rift valleys, Convergent: Volcano

Answer explanation

At divergent boundaries, land features like mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys form due to tectonic plates moving apart. At convergent boundaries, volcanoes are created as one plate subducts beneath another, leading to magma formation.

Front

Crust that is formed closer to mid-ocean ridges is ______ compared to the crust further away from the ridge. As the crust gets further and further away from a mid-ocean ridge it gets ______ and will eventually be recycled at a ______ zone.

Back

newer, older, subduction

Answer explanation

Crust formed closer to mid-ocean ridges is newer compared to the older crust further away. As it moves away, it becomes older and is eventually recycled at a subduction zone.