Development of a Theory

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, glacial deposits, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and is forced into the mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the significance of glacial deposits in supporting continental drift?

Back

They indicate that continents were once located in different climatic zones.

Front

How do fossils provide evidence for continental drift?

Back

Similar fossils found on different continents suggest they were once connected.

Front

What role do earthquakes play in the movement of continents?

Back

Earthquakes can cause shifts in tectonic plates, altering the positions of continents.

Front

What is the relationship between mountain ranges and continental drift?

Back

Mountain ranges on different continents can be similar in age and structure, indicating they were once part of the same landmass.

Front

What is the age of oceanic crust?

Back

The oceanic crust is younger near mid-ocean ridges and older as you move away from them.