WHAT IS THIS?

THIS IS NOT HOW EARTH LOOKS TODAY

 Plate Tectonics
The theory of plate tectonics was first proposed by
Alfred Wegener in 1910. Wegener noticed that the
shorelines of the continents seemed to ‘fit together’
like the pieces of a giant jig saw puzzle.

Wegener’s theory stated:

1) The continents were once all
together in one
place forming a
supercontinent, Pangea.
2) The continents broke apart
and drifted to their
present locations.
Today plate tectonics and continental drift are accepted as facts.
Why? Let’s see the evidence!
 The Earth’s crust is always moving!
Pangea

Pangea = Supercontinent (millions of years ago)

 Continental Drift: The gradual movement
of the continents across the earth.

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• The speed plates move is about the speed at
which your fingernails grow. (8cm per year)

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• In 1915, The German geologist Alfred
Wegener (1880-1930) proposed continental
drift. Not accepted until the 1950’s!

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
 The shapes match.

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

 FOSSILS!
 The remains or impression of a prehistoric
organism (living thing: plant, animal,
footprint)
 Same fossils found on different continents

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

 The Same rock structures on different
continents

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• Current Day + or – 4mm