Evidence in support of continental drift

Evidence in support of Continental Drift:

Coastline and Geologic Fit:

Paleoclimatology:the study of old climates. Coal deposits begin as tropical swamps, where plant material gets buried without breaking down.

How is it possible to have large coal deposits in the far north?

Because the continents were here

PaleoglaciationThe study of old glaciers

Fossil Correlation: NOW

Fossil Correlation: THEN

Paleo Magnetism: The study of old magnetic fields. When lava is molten, the metals within the lava orient themselves to the magnetic north pole of that time. Once the lava cools, the metallic parts are “locked” in place to show the magnetic field of that time.

Volcanoes with changing magnetic fields.

When the continents are matched up, the rocks point to a common magnetic north.

Magnetic reversals can be tracked over time

Reversing magnetic fields at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Computer generated shot of Mid-Atlantic ridge