Continental Drift
What is the theory that Earth's continents have slowly moved over time?
Continental Drift
What does fossil evidence tell use about past climates of continents?
Some continents used to have a differing climate (colder or warmer) when the continents were once joined!
What are the large pieces of Earth's crust called that carry continents?
Tectonic Plates
What do we call a massive landmass made of joined continents?
A supercontinent
Henry Hess published what theory?
Seafloor Spreading
What does the Continental Drift Theory say about the position of continents?
Continents were not always in their current positions!
What kind of ancient plant fossils support the differing climate and continental drift theory?
Ancient Fern Fossils
How fast do tectonic plates move?
2-4 cm per year!
What was the name of the supercontinent that existed 300 million years ago?
Pangea
What measures the size of earthquakes?
Seismograph
WHO proposed the idea that continents drift across the ocean floor?
Alfred Wegener
How do scientists use climate clues to support continental drift?
Study fossils and rock formations that indicate past environments.
What is the speed of the continents movement in a year compared to?
How many continents made up Pangea?
7 (Eurasia is conjoined, India is on it's own plate)
What technology is similar to echolocation?
SONAR
Over 200 million years!
Why is climate evidence important for continental drift?
It shows that continents once shared environments.
What is under the tectonic plates that allows them to move?
What surrounded Pangea?
1 huge ocean
What prehistoric reptile fossil was found in both South America and Africa?
Mesosaurus
What evidence supports that continents have moved? (Hint - 3 things)
Puzzle Piece Fit, Fossil Clues, Mountain Ranges
What does climate evidence tell us about Antarctica's past?
It once had a warmer climate supporting plants and animals. (Fossil evidence)
What happens at plate boundaries?
Plates meet and interact - causing earthquakes and volcanoes!
What might happen to continents in the future?
They may join again to form a new supercontinent
What are glacial scratches in bedrock called?
Striations