I WONDER - What Is Continental Drift?

Alfred Wegener developed the continental drift theory in 1912, explaining how continents formed from Pangaea. The theory suggests that parts of the Earth's crust move slowly on a liquid mantle, forming tectonic plates. This movement, known as continental drift, occurs over millions of years, with the Earth moving about 15 centimeters annually.

Who developed the theory of continental drift?

• Charles Darwin

• Isaac Newton

• Alfred Wegener

• Albert Einstein

What did the continental drift theory explain about the continents?

• They were always separate

• They are shrinking

• They were formed from Pangaea

• They are stationary

What is the Earth's crust moving on top of, according to the theory?

• Water

• Air

• Liquid mantle

• Solid rock

What are the broken pieces of the Earth's crust called?

• Oceanic ridges

• Tectonic plates

• Mantle fragments

• Continental blocks

How much does the Earth move each year due to continental drift?

• 5 centimeters

• 10 centimeters

• 20 centimeters

• 15 centimeters