Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

What is Seafloor Spreading?

Back

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

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics where seafloor spreading occurs.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What is the significance of the Mesosaurus fossil in the context of Continental Drift?

Back

It indicates that South America and Africa were once connected, as the same species was found on both continents.

Front

What technology was used to map the seafloor during WWII?

Back

Sonar.

Front

What happens to the age of rocks as you move away from mid-ocean ridges?

Back

The rocks get older as you move farther away from the mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the role of tectonic plates in seafloor spreading?

Back

Tectonic plates move apart at mid-ocean ridges, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust.

Front

What is a rift zone?

Back

An area where tectonic plates are moving apart, often associated with volcanic activity.