How does the idea of Pangea support the theory of continental drift?

Answer 1

Seafloor spreading is caused by two plates moving apart. This is caused by plate tectonics. Continental drift is also caused by plate tectonics. Therefore, we can conclude that continental drift is related in a way, to seafloor spreading. When the plates move, it carries the continents with it, and thus the continents drift away from each other.

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Answer 2

There are many observed geologic facts that support plate tectonics, most notably that we know that there are plates and we know that they are moving (e.g., the San Andreas Fault, the Ring of Fire, Mt. St. Helens, the Hawaiian Islands, etc).

More specifically, continental drift (a somewhat older term) supports the plate tectonics concept because we have found genetically and morphologically similar fossils on two sides of the Atlantic Ocean (South America and western Africa) from when the two continents were conjoined. We find evidence of 'hotspot' island chains like Hawaii, the Aleutians and Kuril Islands, Iceland, etc where movement of the plate over the hotspot results in a chronologically dispersed set of volcanic islands as the plate moves over the hotspot.

Regarding seafloor spreading (and the Great Rift Valley in Africa): Take the example of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. We find the oldest rocks closest to the North America/South America and Europe/Africa. We thus know that new material is being produced along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge through volcanism and that this pushes the older rocks away from the ridge. Thus, the plates are moving outwards as the seafloor spreads. This cycle of volcanism, seafloor spreading, subduction under some continental rock and folding along other continental rock, etc would not be happening unless plates were in tectonic motion. Likewise, we see the spreading of the Pacific seafloor (various plates) and those plates' subduction under the lighter granite continental rock. Thus, the 'ring of fire' composite volcanoes that line the North/South American west coasts, eastern Asia coastline regions, etc.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

as the sea floor spreads, this creates continental drift. think of it as a treadmill. as the band goes around and around whatever is connected to it goes with. this is the same as seafloor spreading and continental drift. the treadmill represents the sea floor spreading and the object on it the continent.

Answer 4

Well, Pangea was the idea that since the continents some how look like they fit together then at one time all the continents were probably just one big continent where the dinosaurs could roam around. But over the millions of years slowly the continents drifted. Right?

Answer 5

We know by scientific data that our earth's crust is not stable. We know that the earth's plates are moving and how fast. By reverse extrapolation, if we know what direction they are headed, we can surmise where they came from and how long it took to get them to where they are now. These extrapolations are what supports the theory of Pangaea.

Answer 6

Seafloor spreading is a result of divergent/constructive plate boundaries.

Answer 7

Plate tectonics is how the plates move. Which could cause continental drift.