continental shifts

Continental shifts refer to the movement of Earth's continents over millions of years due to the processes of plate tectonics. The Earth's outer shell, called the lithosphere, is divided into large, floating plates that rest on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These plates can move apart, collide, or slide against each other, causing continents to drift. This movement can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and other geological features. Understanding these shifts helps explain the current arrangement of continents and the historical changes in Earth's geography.