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the plates moved it apart

li- ke i -' -m mo -vi -ng ap -art the wo ----rds

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12y ago
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4d ago

The theory of plate tectonics suggests that the movement of the continents is driven by the gradual movement of huge plates of Earth's crust, which float on the semi-fluid mantle beneath them. These plates constantly drift and collide, leading to the separation and movement of continents over millions of years through processes like seafloor spreading and subduction.

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Q: How did the continents move apart?
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Why are the continents so far apart?

The continents are far apart due to the process of plate tectonics, where the Earth's lithosphere (outer rocky shell) is made up of large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere. These plates move very slowly over time, causing the continents to drift apart from each other.


How has seafloor spreading affected the continents?

it has moved Africa and North America farther apart


Where did the continents move?

The continents moved due to the theory of plate tectonics, which explains how the Earth's lithosphere is broken into plates that move over the asthenosphere. This movement is driven by processes such as seafloor spreading, subduction, and continental drift. Over millions of years, the continents have drifted apart, collided, and reconfigured to form the geography we see today.


How have continents moved in the past?

Continents have moved in the past due to plate tectonics. This process involves the movement of the Earth's lithosphere plates on the fluid-like asthenosphere beneath them. Over millions of years, continents have drifted apart, collided, and shifted position on the Earth's surface, leading to the formation of mountain ranges, ocean basins, and other geological features.


Why are the continents located where they are todAY?

The movement of tectonic plates over millions of years has shaped the continents' current positions. This process, known as plate tectonics, causes continents to drift apart, collide, and converge. The distribution of continents we see today is a result of this ongoing movement.

Related questions

What theory that continents move apart form each other?

The action of continents drifting apart from each other is called, "Continental Drift". It is no longer a theory, as it has been proven to be so. Of course, as certain continents move apart from each other, they also are moving closer to other continents.


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


What do scientist now think is causing the continents to move?

They now think that the continents are moving because of tectonic plates and how they move, or drift, apart.


What made the continents break apart and continue to move?

I'm Laura Hernandez


How far do continents move apart each year?

About 1-2 centimeters.


How sea floor spreading provides a mechanism by which continents move?

The fact that plates move apart means that the plates will carry anything.


How have continents moved in the past?

Continents have moved in the past due to plate tectonics. This process involves the movement of the Earth's lithosphere plates on the fluid-like asthenosphere beneath them. Over millions of years, continents have drifted apart, collided, and shifted position on the Earth's surface, leading to the formation of mountain ranges, ocean basins, and other geological features.


At what rate do continents move apart?

sea floor spreadingThe continents of South America and Africa started to spread apart when the mid-Atlantic ocean ridge started creating new oceanic crust which pushed the continents apart.


Do the continents fit together like the pieces of a puzzle?

Yes, the continents do appear to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. This concept is known as continental drift, where the Earth's landmasses were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since moved apart to their current positions over millions of years.


Tectonic plates that move apart most likely are loacted along?

Continents because the continents were together before when the earth was in its early stages then every thing separated so therefore the answer is continents


The theory that continents move apart from each other?

Continents are not tecnically moving 'away' from each other, they are just moving. This is due to the sub continent plates and the volcanic activity in the ocean. As new volcanic matter from the earths core comes to the surface it pushes continental plates apart.


Can the continents come together again?

It is highly unlikely for the continents to come back together as they were before due to the movement of tectonic plates. However, some theorize that in around 250 million years, a new supercontinent could form as a result of the ongoing process of plate tectonics.