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Plate tectonics cause movements of continents whether its colliding or separating. For more information go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics

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Lessie Jones

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6mo ago

The movement of continents, also known as plate tectonics, is primarily caused by the convection currents in the Earth's mantle. These currents drive the movement of the rigid outer layer of the Earth (the lithosphere) in a process known as sea-floor spreading or subduction. This movement leads to the drifting of continents over geologic time scales.

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Q: What causes movement of the continents?
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What is the main reason continents look very different from 100 years ago?

The main reason continents look very different from 100 years ago is due to the process of plate tectonics, which causes the movement of Earth's continents over time. This movement can result in the reshaping of continents, the formation of mountain ranges, and the opening or closing of oceans.


Why have the continents formed like they are?

Continents have formed through a process called plate tectonics, where landmasses on Earth's outer shell (lithosphere) are broken into pieces (plates) that move relative to each other. This movement causes the continents to drift and collide, leading to the formations we see today. The current arrangement of continents is the result of millions of years of this movement and collision.


Why did it take so long for the continents to move to where they are today?

The movement of continents is driven by plate tectonics, which is a slow process. Over millions of years, the movement of tectonic plates causes the continents to shift positions. Factors such as the size and composition of the plates, as well as the heat within the Earth's mantle, all contribute to the gradual movement of the continents to their current locations.


What did the continents get there current position?

Continents have moved and continue to move due to the process of plate tectonics. This is driven by the movement of Earth's outer shell, which is divided into several large and small plates that glide over the mantle beneath them. The movement of these plates causes the continents to gradually shift positions over millions of years.


What causes the continents movement?

Plate tectonics cause movements of continents whether its colliding or separating. For more information go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics

Related questions

How has the movement of continents causes climates to change?

Baseball and collage


What force causes the movement of the continents from one supercontinent to the present positions?

the movement of convection currents in the mantle is the cause of plate motion.


What movement causes continents to grow outward?

The movement that causes continents to grow outward is called seafloor spreading. This occurs at mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates diverge, allowing magma to come up and create new seafloor. As new seafloor forms, it pushes the continents on either side further apart, leading to the growth of the continents.


Are that earth continents still moving today?

Yes, Earth's continents are still moving today due to plate tectonics. This movement is very slow, with continents drifting at a rate of a few centimeters per year. The movement of continents causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.


Why do your continents look like they do?

The shape of continents is the result of tectonic plate movement over millions of years. This movement causes landmasses to drift apart, collide, or slide alongside each other, shaping the continents as we see them today. Erosion and other natural forces also play a role in shaping the landforms on the continents.


How has the movement of the continents affected the distribution of species?

what has the movement of the continents done to species


What caused the drifting of the continent?

The drifting of continents is caused by plate tectonics, which involves the movement of large sections of Earth's lithosphere. The main driving force behind this movement is the heat generated by the Earth's core, which causes convection currents in the mantle that push and pull the tectonic plates. This movement is responsible for the slow drift of continents over millions of years.


What is the process that causes the changes in the location of earths continent over time?

The process that causes the changes in the location of Earth's continents over time is called plate tectonics. It involves the movement of Earth's lithosphere plates on the asthenosphere beneath them. This movement leads to the shifting of continents, known as continental drift, as well as the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.


What is the main reason continents look very different from 100 years ago?

The main reason continents look very different from 100 years ago is due to the process of plate tectonics, which causes the movement of Earth's continents over time. This movement can result in the reshaping of continents, the formation of mountain ranges, and the opening or closing of oceans.


Why have the continents formed like they are?

Continents have formed through a process called plate tectonics, where landmasses on Earth's outer shell (lithosphere) are broken into pieces (plates) that move relative to each other. This movement causes the continents to drift and collide, leading to the formations we see today. The current arrangement of continents is the result of millions of years of this movement and collision.


Why did it take so long for the continents to move to where they are today?

The movement of continents is driven by plate tectonics, which is a slow process. Over millions of years, the movement of tectonic plates causes the continents to shift positions. Factors such as the size and composition of the plates, as well as the heat within the Earth's mantle, all contribute to the gradual movement of the continents to their current locations.


What did the continents get there current position?

Continents have moved and continue to move due to the process of plate tectonics. This is driven by the movement of Earth's outer shell, which is divided into several large and small plates that glide over the mantle beneath them. The movement of these plates causes the continents to gradually shift positions over millions of years.