Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangea.

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What are Plate Tectonics?

Back

The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What type of boundary is formed when two tectonic plates slide past each other?

Back

Transform boundary.

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What is a Converging Boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is a Diverging Boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What was Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed around 250 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

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What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.

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Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

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He could not provide a convincing explanation for how continents moved.