Continental Drift

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift states that the continents were once joined in a super-continent and have moved over time.

Front

Who developed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener is credited with developing the theory of continental drift.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and the fit of continents like South America and Africa support the theory.

Front

What does Pangaea mean?

Back

Pangaea means 'All Earth' and refers to the super-continent that existed millions of years ago.

Front

Which two continents fit together most noticeably?

Back

South America and Africa fit together most noticeably.

Front

What is a super-continent?

Back

A super-continent is a large landmass that contains most of the Earth's continental crust.

Front

What is the significance of Glossopteris in continental drift?

Back

Glossopteris is a fossil plant that provides evidence for continental drift, as it was found on multiple continents.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large pieces of the lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the Earth's mantle.