4. DISTRIBUTION OF OCEANS AND CONTINENTS
The chapter focuses on the dynamic nature of Earth's continents and oceans, addressing the historical shifts in their positions through theories like continental drift and plate tectonics. Key evidence for these shifts includes geological formations, fossil distributions, and modern ocean floor mapping, which collectively illustrate the earth's gradual geological evolution. The chapter also delves into the mechanics of plate movement and the implications for understanding seismic activity and volcanic formation.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Continents and oceans are not static and have shifted positions over geological time.
- The theory of continental drift proposed by Alfred Wegener suggests that all continents were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea.
- The modern theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of lithospheric plates which cause geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Key Concepts
- -- Continental Drift
- A theory proposed by Alfred Wegener suggesting that continents were once joined together as a single landmass before drifting apart.
- -- Plate Tectonics
- The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere which is divided into distinct plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.
- -- Sea Floor Spreading
- A process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as volcanic material rises to the surface.
- -- Pangaea
- The name given to the supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, which eventually split into the continents we know today.
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