Theory of Continental Drifting 1. Fit of continents 2. Structural and lithologic continuities 3....

Theory of Continental

Drifting1. Fit of continents2. Structural and lithologic continuities3. Fossils4. Glaciation

Paleoclimate and Continental Drifting

Polar “wandering”

Curie Point of magnetite = 580 OCmagnetic declination = angle with respect to spin axismagnetic inclination = angle with respect to horizontal surface

The way it was done…

1. Alfred Wegener’s Theory of Continental Drifting2. Identification and dating of magnetic reversals on land3. Mid-ocean ridge topography4. Identification and dating of magnetic reversals at sea5. Identification of oceanic slabs from deep foci earthquakes6. Identification of shallow foci earthquakes7. Radar altimeter measurements (topography, gravity, etc.)8. Space geodetic measurements of plate motions

The Egg Story

Tectonic Plates

Types of Plate Boundaries

Transform fault

Trench

Mid-oceanic ridge

Mechanism?

A simple Proof?

A simple test?

A simple Truth?

References/Sources of MaterialsPetals around the Rose: http://www.enc.org

Plate Tectonics: United States Geological Survey: www.usgs.govUniversity of Leeds, U.K.

Polar wandering:Sager, W. and Koppers, A., , Late Cretaceous Polar Wander of the Pacific Plate: evidence of a rapid true Polar Wander, Science, V. 287, p. 455-459 (January 2000). Kerr, R., Did the dinosaurs live on a topsy-turvy earth?, Science, V. 287, p. 406-407 (January 2000).http://www.mala.bc.ca/~earles/polar-wander-jan00.htm

Fossil, glaciation, ancient climate zones and polar wandering figures: http://www.crystalinks.com/tectonicplates.html

Mantle Plumes: Harvard University