Continental Drift
Continental drift is the theory that Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have since moved apart. Paleomagnetism studies the Earth's magnetic fields recorded in rocks, showing how continents have shifted over time. As magma erupts and cools at mid-ocean ridges, minerals align with the magnetic field, locking in their positions. By analyzing these patterns, scientists can trace the movement and position of continents, helping to explain phenomena like earthquakes and the distribution of fossils and minerals across different regions. This evidence supports the idea of tectonic plates constantly shifting.
Additional Insights
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Continental drift is the theory that continents were once part of a single landmass, called Pangaea, which gradually broke apart and drifted to their current positions over millions of years. This movement is driven by tectonic plate activity beneath the Earth's surface. As these plates shift, they can cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountains. The idea of continental drift helps explain similarities in the fossil record and geological features across different continents, suggesting that they were once connected. It's a key concept in understanding the Earth's geological history and the dynamics of its crust.