Table of Contents
What is paleomagnetism evidence?
The alignment of a magnetic mineral in a cooled igneous rock points to the magnetic north pole, and the dip of the mineral reveals how far the rock formed from the pole. The paleomagnetic evidence revealed that the magnetic poles also had different locations relative to the continents than they do today.
What is paleoclimatic evidence of continental drift?
Wegener was a meteorologis and geologist. Among other things, he studied paleoclimate indicators in sedimentary strata. These indicated to Wegener that the continents must have moved (Europe from near the equator, Africa from the polar region into the equatorial region).
What do paleomagnetism studies quizlet?
Paleomagnetic studies show that the ocean basins are older than the continents. Around most of the Atlantic the continental slope descends into an oceanic trench but around the Pacific the continental slope merges with a more gently sloping continental rise.
What evidence is there of the continental drift theory?
Evidence of Continental Drift. Some of the evidence supporting the continental drift of the tectonic plates include the presence of similar animals and plant fossils on the shores of various continents, which suggest that they were once joined. Fossils of a freshwater reptile known as Mesosaurus was found both in South Africa and Brazil.
How do you describe continental drift?
Continental drift, large-scale horizontal movement of continents relative to one another and to the ocean basins during one or more episodes of geologic time. This concept was an important precursor to the development of the theory of plate tectonics, which incorporates it.
What is the Geological evidence for continental drift?
Evidence in Support of the Continental Drift
What is the speed of continental drift?
The average speed of continental drift is between 2 and 20 cm / year—roughly the speed at which your fingernails grow, although not necessarily that smoothly and steadily—so it’s going to take North America and Europe roughly 50,000 years to move one mile apart.