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Type of Evidence Continental Fit The continents coastlines appeared to fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle,

indicating the original existence of a single super-continent named Pangaea.

Image/map/diagram

Geological Evidence Rocks and glacial deposits of the same age and origin were found on continents very far away from each other, the formation of these deposits could not be explained by their present position. Matching rock sequences and mountain chains are found on different continents, indicating they were laid down under the same conditions in one location. Climatological Evidence Coal, oil and natural gas deposits have been found in areas in which the tropical climate needed for these fossil fuels to form is absent. The most plausible explanation was that the fossil fuels formed in tropical conditions before the continent drifted into higher latitudes. Biological Evidence Fossils which are comparable with each other have been discovered in different continents; these extinct creatures would have been incapable to migrate between the two locations.

Example The shape of the east coast of South America fits the west coast of Africa (slight erosion permitted) and the two continents are believed to have been connected in the Permian period (225 million years ago), to form an area of Pangaea. Deposits from the glaciation in the late Carboniferous period (290 million years ago) and found in South America, Antarctica and India. Rock sequences between the Caledonian mountains in Norway and the Appalachian mountains in North America are comparable. Coal deposits similar to those in southern Africa exist in Antarctica, suggesting Antarctica was once in a tropical environment needed for coal to form, neighbouring South Africa.

Fossil remains of the Mesosaurus are found in both South America and southern Africa, a landdwelling reptile it is unlikely the creature migrated across the Atlantic and even less likely it evolved independently on both continents.

Sea Floor Spreading Seafloor spreading is caused by two plates moving apart. This is caused by plate tectonics. Continental drift is also caused by plate tectonics. Therefore, we can conclude that continental drift is related to seafloor spreading. When the plates move, it carries the continents with it, and thus the continents drift away from each other.

The recent development of sonar has allowed mapping of the sea floor, which has revealed the oceanic MidAtlantic Ridge under the Atlantic Ocean. The example shows a constructive diverging tectonic plate boundary resulting in sea floor spreading.

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