Question

List as many pieces of evidence as you can to support the idea that continents have moved over Earth's surface.

Short answer

Fossil evidence, rock formations and geological features, glacial deposits and paleoclimatological evidence, paleomagnetism, distribution of plants and animals, and the age and development of the ocean floor all provide support for the idea that continents have moved over Earth's surface throughout its history. These pieces of evidence collectively indicate that continents were once connected and have since drifted apart due to processes like seafloor spreading.

Step-by-step solution

1. Fossil Evidence

Fossils of the same species or similar species have been found across continents, even though these continents are now separated by vast oceans. This indicates that these landmasses must have been connected at some point in Earth's history. For example, fossils of the extinct reptile Mesosaurus have been found in both South America and Africa, suggesting that these continents were once joined.

2. Rock Formation and Geological Evidence

The matching patterns of rock formations and geological features across different continents indicate that they were once connected. For instance, the Appalachian Mountains in North America have similar rock types and structures as the Caledonian Mountains in Scotland, which may imply that these two landforms were once part of the same mountain chain when the continents were merged as Pangea.

3. Glacial Deposits and Paleoclimatological Evidence

Evidence of glaciers and ancient ice sheets in regions that are currently warm climates can also indicate past continental movement. Scratches and deposits left by glaciers in regions such as Africa, South America and India suggest that these continents were once located near the earth's poles and later drifted toward their current position.

4. Paleomagnetism

Earth's magnetic field has left a record of its past orientation in minerals that crystallized from molten rock. By studying the magnetic orientation of these minerals, scientists can determine the latitude at which these rocks were formed. The data shows that some continents have moved thousands of kilometers from their original positions, further supporting the idea of continental drift.

5. Distribution of Plants and Animals

Similar, closely-related species of plants and animals can be found across continents that are separated by large ocean expanses today. For example, the marsupials found in Australia have unique characteristics that are not found in placental mammals on other continents, which suggests that these animals evolved in isolation after the continents drifted apart.

6. Age and Development of the Ocean Floor

The age of the ocean floor and knowledge about the process of seafloor spreading provide evidence for the idea of continental drift. The youngest rocks on the ocean floor are found near mid-ocean ridges, where new material is constantly being formed as tectonic plates move away from each other. This suggests that continents might have drifted apart as the ocean floor expanded. In summary, evidence from fossils, rock formations, paleoclimatology, magnetic orientation, and the distribution of plants and animals, as well as the knowledge about seafloor spreading, all support the concept that continents have moved over Earth's surface throughout its history.