Continents Drift to New Locations
Learn how plate tectonics moves continents across the globe and how paleogeography helps scientists map ancient climates and past continent locations.
Key Concepts
The map of the world has not always looked like it does today. Through plate tectonics , continents slowly move across the globe. To understand ancient climates, scientists must use paleogeography to map where the continents used to be. A region that is cold today might have been located at the tropical equator millions of years ago. Knowing the past location is essential for interpreting the climate evidence correctly.
Common Questions
What is plate tectonics and how does it cause continents to drift?
Plate tectonics is the scientific theory explaining how continents slowly move across the globe over millions of years. This movement means the map of the world has not always looked the way it does today.
What is paleogeography and why do scientists use it?
Paleogeography is the study of where continents were located in the past. Scientists use it to understand ancient climates, because a region that is cold today might have been located near the tropical equator millions of years ago.
How does knowing past continent locations help scientists understand ancient climates?
Knowing where continents were located in the past is essential for correctly interpreting climate evidence found in rocks and fossils. For example, if a cold region was once near the equator, scientists expect to find evidence of a much warmer ancient climate there.
What do 6th graders learn about continental drift in Amplify Science California?
In Grade 6 Amplify Science California Chapter 4, students learn that plate tectonics causes continents to slowly move over millions of years. They also learn how paleogeography is used to reconstruct past continent positions to better understand ancient climates.