Plate Tectonics Activity

A

• One theory that supports the theory of Plate Tectonics is the theory of Continental Drift
• The idea that the continents drift……

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• In this activity you will assemble a “jigsaw puzzle” to see why we believe the continents drift (or have drifted)

• Each group will be given a page (Pangaea Without Continental Shelf)to cut out the pieces and then glue them onto a blank sheet of paper.
• Be sure to match up mountain ranges and fossil deposits
• When you are done bring it up to the teacher to receive the second puzzle and the second page (Pangaea With Continental Shelf)to assemble on a separate sheet.
• Once done, get the question sheet and answer the questions.
• Staple all sheets together and turn in. (questions sheet on top)

Questions (to be answered on the worksheet)

1. Define the term Continental Shelf, in terms of geology.
2. Based on the activity you just completed, what do you feel was the most compelling evidence that the continents were once linked together?
3. Why does it seem that the continents fit together better with today’s knowledge than in Wegener’s time?
4. Based on the apparent movement of the continents from Pangaea to today, what can you infer about the size of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean basins at some time in the future?

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Since Pangaea

And into the Future