Continental Drift/Pangaea

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

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

Front

How fast do continents move?

Back

Continents move very slowly, only a few centimeters per year.

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

Fit/shape of continents, geologic and fossil evidence, and climate evidence.

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Massive slabs of solid rock that make up Earth's lithosphere and float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What happens at plate boundaries?

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At plate boundaries, tectonic plates interact, which can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Front

What is the significance of fossils in supporting Continental Drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents suggest that those continents were once connected.

Front

What role does climate evidence play in Continental Drift?

Back

Climate evidence, such as glacial deposits found in now tropical regions, supports the idea that continents have moved to different climates.