Continental Drift and Pangaea Concepts

Front

What is the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over geological time.

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

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

Front

Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

Back

He had no proof of how the continents were moving.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, when all continents were joined together.

Front

What type of climate did Glossopteris indicate for Antarctica?

Back

Warm and wet climate.

Front

What is the significance of fossil similarities between continents?

Back

It suggests that continents were once connected, allowing species to inhabit multiple areas.

Front

What is the main process that drives Continental Drift?

Back

Plate tectonics, which involves the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere and moves over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is the role of convection currents in the mantle?

Back

They drive the movement of tectonic plates, causing continental drift.