Geologists discovered that the largest coal deposits were formed around 300 million years ago. How did this observation support the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point) Responses Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions. Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions. Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts. Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts. Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed. Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed. Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Question

Geologists discovered that the largest coal deposits were formed around 300 million years ago. How did this observation support the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point) Responses Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions. Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions. Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts. Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts. Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed. Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed. Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Answer 1

Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Answer 2

Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Answer 3

Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

The observation that the largest coal deposits were formed around 300 million years ago supports the theory of plate tectonics because it aligns with the concept of mountain building. During that time period, it is believed that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Plate tectonics theory states that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that are constantly moving. As these plates interact with each other, they can form various geological features, including mountains. Mountains are typically formed when two plates converge or collide, causing the crust to fold, uplift, and create large landmasses. This process is referred to as orogeny.

So, the presence of large coal deposits around 300 million years ago suggests that those regions were located along a mountain chain that was formed due to plate tectonic activity. The intense pressure and heat associated with the mountain-building process can cause organic matter, such as plant material, to transform into coal over millions of years.

Therefore, the observation of the largest coal deposits forming around 300 million years ago supports the theory of plate tectonics by providing evidence of mountain-building activity during that time period.