0
Both continental plates and oceanic plates float on the top of the mantle. Convection currents in the mantle rock cause the top surface of the mantle to move in different directions in different places. The continental plates and oceanic plates floating on the top of the mantle are dragged along in the direction of motion of the top of the mantle directly beneath them.
This process is part of the theory of plate tectonics, which explains many other things beyond the apparent movement of the continents.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Wegeners's idea that the continents slowly move over earth's surface became know as?
Pangaea
Do scientist think the earth surface is broken into huge plates that fit together but move slowly?
Yes. They think the earth's crust (where we are right now), is broken into huge plates (the continents) that fit together, but move very slowly. Thank you for asking.
How did the continents move during each of the eras?
During the Paleozoic Era, the continents were mostly joined together as a supercontinent called Pangaea. In the Mesozoic Era, Pangaea began to break apart, leading to the formation of the modern continents. Throughout the Cenozoic Era, the continents continued to move to their current positions due to the process of plate tectonics.
Continental drift states that continents have moved how to their current location?
Continents have moved due to the process of plate tectonics, where the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. These plates move through a combination of convection currents in the mantle and interactions at their boundaries, causing continents to drift over millions of years to their current locations.
How can something as large and heavy as a whole continent can move around?
Continental drift, driven by the movement of tectonic plates beneath Earth's surface, causes continents to slowly shift positions over millions of years. The plates are carried by underlying convection currents in the mantle, leading to the movement of the continents on the Earth's surface. This process has shaped the Earth's geology and continues to influence the planet's landmasses.
What is the process in which continents slowly move called?
The process in which continents slowly move is called plate tectonics. This movement is caused by the interactions of large sections of the Earth's lithosphere known as tectonic plates. Over time, these plates drift and collide, leading to the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
What is the process by which the continents move slowly across the earths surface called?
The process by which continents move slowly across the Earth's surface is called plate tectonics. This movement is driven by the continuous shifting of large geological plates that make up the Earth's outer shell. The movement of these plates can result in phenomena like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the formation of mountain ranges.
Idea that continents move on Earth's surface?
The idea that continents move slowly across the earth's surface is called the continental drift.
Will the earth get more continents?
No, not currently. The continents won't change for hundreds of millions of years as they move extremely slowly.
What is the process in which continents move slowly across earths surface?
The process in which continents move slowly across Earth's surface is called plate tectonics. It involves the movement of large plates of the Earth's lithosphere over the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. This movement is driven by heat from within the Earth, causing the plates to separate, collide, or slide past each other.
Why do the continents keep on moving?
The continents move due to the process of plate tectonics. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. These plates move slowly over time, causing the continents to also move. This movement is driven by processes such as seafloor spreading, subduction, and mantle convection.
Idea that continents move slowly across earth's surface is called what?
The idea that continents move slowly across Earth's surface is called plate tectonics. This theory explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that move and interact with each other, leading to processes such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
What the name for earth's continents move slowly over time?
The process in which Earth's continents slowly move over time is called plate tectonics. This movement is driven by the motion of the Earth's tectonic plates, which float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below them. Over millions of years, this movement can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.
What is the hypothisis that the continents slowly move across earth's surface?
The theory of plate tectonics.
What hypothesis states that continents slowly move to their present position earth?
continental drift
How can magma cause the plates that carry the continents to move apart?
magma is very hot so as it boils it moves the plates of the earth causing the continents to slowly move apart
Wegeners's idea that the continents slowly move over earth's surface became know as?
Pangaea
