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Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ?
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Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ?
Evidence in Support of Continental Drift Theory
1. Fit of the Continents
One of the primary pieces of evidence supporting the continental drift theory is the apparent fit of the continents. If you look at a world map, it is easy to see that the east coast of South America and the west coast of Africa would fit together like a puzzle piece. The same is true for the east coast of North America and the west coast of Europe. This is because these continents were once connected, forming a supercontinent called Pangaea.
2. Fossil Evidence
Another piece of evidence supporting the continental drift theory is the presence of identical fossils on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. For example, the Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile, is found in both South America and Africa. This is unlikely if the two continents had always been separated by an ocean. However, it makes sense if the two continents were once connected and the Mesosaurus moved freely between them via a land bridge.
3. Paleomagnetism
Finally, paleomagnetism provides evidence supporting the continental drift theory. When magma cools and solidifies, it preserves a record of the Earth's magnetic field at that time. By analyzing the magnetic orientation of rocks on either side of a divergent boundary, scientists have found evidence that the continents were once joined together. This is because the magnetic orientation of rocks on either side of the boundary matches, indicating that they were once part of the same landmass.
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Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ?
1)When Wegener proposed continental drift, many geologists were contractionists. They thought Earth's incredible mountains were created because our planet was cooling and shrinking since its formation, Frankel said.
2)Researchers argued over the land bridges right up until the plate tectonics theory was developed, Frankel said. For instance, as geophysicists began to realize that continental rocks were too light to sink down to the ocean floor, prominent paleontologists instead suggested that the similarities between fossils had been overestimated.
3)Alternating patterns of magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor indicated seafloor spreading, where new plate material is born. Magnetic minerals aligned in ancient rocks on continents also showed that the continents have shifted relative to one another
2)Researchers argued over the land bridges right up until the plate tectonics theory was developed, Frankel said. For instance, as geophysicists began to realize that continental rocks were too light to sink down to the ocean floor, prominent paleontologists instead suggested that the similarities between fossils had been overestimated.
3)Alternating patterns of magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor indicated seafloor spreading, where new plate material is born. Magnetic minerals aligned in ancient rocks on continents also showed that the continents have shifted relative to one another
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Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ?
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Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ? for Class 11 2024 is part of Class 11 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 11 exam syllabus. Information about Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ? covers all topics & solutions for Class 11 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ?.
Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ? for Class 11 2024 is part of Class 11 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 11 exam syllabus. Information about Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ? covers all topics & solutions for Class 11 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Explain 3 evidence in support of continental drift theory ?.
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