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The continents are always moving on top of vast tectonic plates. They move at a rate similar to how fast a human's fingernails grow. Every year they move a few centimeters more.

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How much do continents move per year?

Continents move about 2-5 centimeters per year due to the process of plate tectonics. This movement is caused by the sliding and shifting of tectonic plates along the Earth's crust. Over millions of years, this movement can lead to significant changes in the positions of continents on the planet.


How approximately do scientists say that our continents move in a year?

Scientists estimate that continents move at a rate of about 2.5 centimeters per year, which is similar to the rate at which our fingernails grow. This movement is caused by plate tectonics, where the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that slowly drift on the underlying semi-fluid asthenosphere.


Do continents move every year?

Yes, continents are constantly moving due to the process of plate tectonics. The movement is very slow, with rates typically on the order of a few centimeters per year. This movement is responsible for events such as earthquakes and the formation of mountain ranges over millions of years.


How far do continents move apart each year?

Continents move apart at an average rate of 2.5 centimeters per year due to the process of plate tectonics. This movement occurs along mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle and solidifies. Over millions of years, this process has led to the formation of new oceans and the separation of continents.


How many centimeters do the continents move each year?

It varies. North America and Europe separate by about 7.5 cm (3 inches) per year. India continues to slam into Asia roughly 6 cm per year. http://hypertextbook.com/facts/ZhenHuang.shtml The current Wilson Cycle is about half finished, in another quarter billion years the Americas should reverse direction and smack back into eurasia and Africa.

Related Questions

How fast have the continents moved to their current location?

Every year continents move about.. your pointer finger length.


How fast are the continents drifting on average?

It differs between each continent and year by year. However, the continents move about 6 cm on average per year. So it takes almost 17 years for the continents to move just one meter.


How much do the continents move per year?

they move about the same time it takes for your nails to grow per year, which is about 6 cm.


How much do Medical Office Administration make?

around 25000 a year but you move up fast around 25000 a year but you move up fast


Are the size and shape of the continents the same as the size and shape of the plates?

No, there are several more plates than continents (twelve I think) and the plates include both oceans and land. Earthquakes are the result of plates moving, but don't worry, plates do not move fast, only about a centimeter a year.


How much do continents move each year?

Continents move at an average rate of about 2-5 centimeters per year due to the process of plate tectonics. This movement is caused by the shifting of tectonic plates that make up the Earth's crust.


How fast does the Australian plate move?

About 6cm a year.


How much do continents move per year?

Continents move about 2-5 centimeters per year due to the process of plate tectonics. This movement is caused by the sliding and shifting of tectonic plates along the Earth's crust. Over millions of years, this movement can lead to significant changes in the positions of continents on the planet.


What is the theory that states continents have moved to there positions?

the theory that states continents have move is that every year the continents move 1 inch and after a year they move 365 inches you can tell they move by them being one big continent called PANGAEA. you guys are really stupid if you listen to my friend


How many continents are today in the year 2011?

there are seven continents in the earth in 2011 right now


Will continents Continue to move in the future?

Yes, continents will continue to move in the future due to plate tectonics. The movement is very slow, with the continents drifting at a rate of a few centimeters per year. This movement is driven by the Earth's internal heat and the convection currents in the mantle.


How many inches per year are the continents moving apart?

0.75inches a year