Select all that apply. What evidence is given for plate movement?
What is the law of superposition?
The map below shows the continents as they appear today. Most of the continental land masses lie above sea level, but the true edges of the continents are not at the shoreline. The gray areas on this map show the relatively shallow water that covers the fringes of the continents. These sea-covered borders are known as CONTINENTAL SHELVES (gray areas). The margins of the continental shelves mark the true edges of the continents.
What two continents fit together like pieces of a puzzle?
*By about 300 million years ago, a unique community of plants had evolved known as the European flora. Fossils of these plants are found in Europe and other areas.
*Fossils of the fern Glossopteris have been found in several locations. Glossopteris had very heavy seeds that could not move by wind. Glossopteris, like all ferns, grew in wet, warm areas.
*Fossil remains of the half meter-long fresh water reptile called Mesosaurus have been found in several locations. Mesosaurs had limbs for swimming, but could also walk on land. Other evidence suggests that although they lived in water at times, they were not strong swimmers.
*Fossil remains of Cynognathus, a land reptile approximately 3 meters long that lived during the Early Mesozoic Era, about 230 million years ago were found in several areas. It was a weak swimmer.
*Fossil evidence of the Early Mesozoic, land-dwelling reptile Lystrosaurus was found in several areas. They reproduced by laying eggs on land. In addition, their anatomy suggests that these animals were probably very poor swimmers.
Based on the information you were given about each of the plants and animals, how does the location of their fossils support the idea that the continents were once connected as one landmass?
Which fossil occurs on the most landmasses?
Why do you think the continents don't fit together perfectly? What processes have occurred over the past 200 million years?
In your own words, describe what you think "continental drift" means.
Which of the following characteristics describe the CRUST? Select 5.
Which of the following characteristics describe the MANTLE? Select 3
Which of the following characteristics describe the OUTER CORE? Select 2
Which of the following characteristics describe the INNER CORE? Select 4
Which statements describe the ASTHENOSPHERE? Select 2
Which statements describe the LITHOSPHERE? Select 2
What did Alfred Wegener notice that the coastlines of Africa and South America?
What else did Alfred Wegener discover along the coasts of these continents?
What did Alfred Wegener notice about the geologic formations, like mountain ranges, on the two continents?
What was the original landmass called?
The earth's outer layer, or lithosphere, is broken into several large slabs. What are the slabs called?
What helped you the most in putting the picture in the right order?
What did you notice about the landmasses?
