What is the reason why the continents have moved since primordial times? explain
a
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are blown by the continental winds across the atmosphere
b
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are floating around on the liquid rock of the mantle
c
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are pushed around by the weathering forces that affect the lithosphere
d
The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are being moved by conservation of momentum as animals walk across the surface
The correct answer is b. The tectonic plates upon which the continents sit are floating around on the liquid rock of the mantle.
The movement of continents is due to the process of plate tectonics. The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that are constantly moving relative to each other. These plates are made up of both continental and oceanic crust, and they rest on the semi-fluid layer underneath called the asthenosphere.
The movement of the plates is driven by the circulation of the asthenosphere, which is caused by the heat generated from the Earth's core. This circulation creates convection currents that exert forces on the plates, causing them to move. The plates move very slowly, at a rate of a few centimeters per year.
As the plates move, they can interact with each other in several ways. They can collide and create mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, or they can pull apart and create rift zones, like the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. They can also slide past each other, creating transform boundaries, like the San Andreas Fault in California.
Due to plate tectonics, the continents are not fixed in one place. Over millions of years, they have moved and rearranged themselves, creating the continents and oceans we see today. This motion has had significant effects on Earth's geology, climate, and the distribution of plants and animals.