Aim: How have the continents changed over time? Topic: Dynamic Earth Main Idea: Plate Tectonics & Continental Drift

1) What is plate tectonics? Plate tectonics is the study of how crustal plates move and interact.

2) What evidence is there for past crustal movement? folding faulting tilting

What can you tell about the history of crustal movement in the area of the Grand Canyon?

Let’s Review!! Collaborate with the person next to you to agree on an answer for these 3 questions.

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Think About It: If Pangaea reforms while humans are still present on Earth how would it affect civilization (economy, political leadership, travel, foreign relations, etc…)?

Who was Alfred L. Wegener? He proposed that the earth was a single supercontinent (Pangaea) that separated over time.

What evidence did he have for his theory? N. and S. America fit together with Africa and Europe The structure of the rocks matched perfectly with the coast of Africa and Europe Tropical fossils were found in cold climates along the coast Evidence of glaciation in S. America, S. Africa, India & S. Australia

What was wrong with Wegener’s theory? Not all pieces fit perfectly At the time it was thought that the earth did not have layers Wegener didn’t know what made them move

How will the earth change in the future?

(Appalachian)

Jurassic Period (about 200 mya) Summary Find the appropriate page in your reference tables and answer the following questions In which direction has North America moved? _________________ When did the Atlantic Ocean begin to form? ______________________ Northwest Jurassic Period (about 200 mya)

What do you notice in each of these three pictures?

What happened in this one?

What is a fault? A fault is a crack that runs through strata and displaces them.

What are the three types of faults? The three faults are: Normal (Tension) Reverse (Compression) Strike-slip (Shear)

What is the movement associated with normal and reverse faults? Normal: the footwall moves up (FUN) Reverse: the footwall moves down (FDR)

What is the movement associated with a transform fault? The plates slide past each other. If they get stuck pressure is built up, but once the rocks snap it creates an earthquake.