Continental Drift

What is the evidence from rock formations for Continental Drift?

• Similar rock formations and mountain ranges are found on continents that are now separated, indicating they were once connected.

• Different types of rocks are found on the same continent, suggesting they formed in isolation.

• Rock formations are randomly distributed across continents, showing no pattern of connection.

• The age of rock formations is the same across all continents, proving they were once part of a single landmass.

What is a supercontinent?

• A large landmass that contains multiple continents, such as Pangaea.

• A small island formed by volcanic activity.

• A type of oceanic trench.

• A region with no landmasses at all.

How does the theory of Continental Drift explain the distribution of earthquakes?

• Earthquakes are caused by volcanic activity in the center of tectonic plates.

• The movement of tectonic plates can cause earthquakes, which often occur along plate boundaries.

• Earthquakes are random events that do not follow any specific pattern.

• Continental Drift has no relation to earthquakes.

How does the climate change relate to Continental Drift?

• Continental Drift explains how the climate of regions has changed over time as continents moved to different latitudes.

• Climate change has no relation to Continental Drift.

• Continental Drift causes immediate climate change in all regions.

• Continental Drift only affects ocean currents, not climate.

What is the difference between Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics?

• Continental Drift is a theory that explains the movement of the Earth's plates, while Plate Tectonics is the theory that continents move.

• Continental Drift is the theory that continents move, while Plate Tectonics is the broader theory that includes the movement of the Earth's plates.

• Continental Drift is a modern theory that has replaced Plate Tectonics entirely.

• Continental Drift refers to the movement of oceanic plates, while Plate Tectonics refers to the movement of continental plates.

Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

• He lacked sufficient evidence to support his claims.

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

• His theory contradicted established scientific beliefs.

• He was not a qualified scientist in the field.

How does the age of rocks support the theory of Continental Drift?

• The age of rocks on either side of mid-ocean ridges shows that they are younger than those further away, indicating that new crust is formed as continents drift apart.

• The age of rocks is irrelevant to the theory of Continental Drift.

• Older rocks are found at the mid-ocean ridges, suggesting that continents have not moved.

• The age of rocks indicates that continents have always been in their current positions.

What is Pangaea?

• A type of ancient dinosaur

• A supercontinent that existed around 335 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.

• A large ocean that covered the Earth

• A mountain range formed during the Ice Age

What role do glaciers play in supporting Continental Drift?

• They provide water sources for rivers and lakes.

• They create mountain ranges through erosion.

• Evidence of ancient glaciers found on different continents aligns when the continents are reassembled, suggesting they were once part of a larger landmass.

• They are responsible for volcanic activity in polar regions.

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

• Fossil records, geological formations, and climate patterns.

• Only fossil records from ancient species.

• Geological formations alone without climate data.

• Climate patterns observed in modern times.