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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.
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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.
Why do people not notice that continents drift?
Because they move so slowly that we can't feel it. It's a bit like why we can't feel the earth turning
Why do people not notice that the continents drift?
People generally do not notice that the continents drift because they move so slowly. People do notice earthquakes and other natural disasters that are sometimes caused by the movement of the earth's tectonic plates.
Have the continents and the oceans always been in the positions they are in today?
No, the continents and the oceans have not always been in the positions they are in today. The Earth's tectonic plates slowly move over time through a process called plate tectonics. This movement has resulted in the continents shifting positions and the reshaping of the oceans over millions of years.
What is the process in which continents slowly move called?
This is tectonic plate movement.
What is the process in which continents move slowly across earths surface?
Continental Drift
Idea that continents move slowly across earth's surface is called what?
The idea that continents move slowly across the earth's surface is called the continental drift.
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.
Idea that continents move slowly across earths surface?
continental drift
What the name for earth's continents move slowly over time?
Continental Drift. :)
Do continents move every year?
Yes, but very slowly. They move approximatly 1 inch per year.
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
