continental Drift Theory - Geography Ebooks | TheGeoecologist

Question 1

What is the continental drift theory?

Accepted Answer

The continental drift theory is the scientific hypothesis that Earth's continents have moved across the planet's surface over geological time, first systematically proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912 and later incorporated into the theory of plate tectonics.

Question 2

What evidence supports the continental drift theory?

Accepted Answer

Key evidence includes the jigsaw-fit of continental shelves, matching fossil distributions (Mesosaurus, Glossopteris, Lystrosaurus), continuous rock formations and mountain belts across oceans, paleoclimatic indicators (glacial deposits in tropics, coal in Antarctica), and modern GPS measurements confirming ongoing plate motion.

Question 3

How fast do continents move according to the continental drift theory?

Accepted Answer

Modern continents move at rates of approximately 2–3 centimeters per year (20–30 mm/yr), comparable to fingernail growth. Rates vary by plate: the Pacific Plate moves ~80 mm/yr, while the North American Plate moves ~25 mm/yr.

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