CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY:

TODAY: Layers of our atmosphere Assignment –LATE 20% Layers of Earth-Review (Quick Check) Bill Nye “Science Guy” Earth Video Continental Drift Theory Evidence to support theory Reading comprehension on Continental Drift Theory Pangaea Activity-Complete questions for next class Discussion questions-DUE WEDNESDAY NEXT CLASS- Plate Tectonics

Structure of our Earth -Quick Check True or False All the layers of the Earth are made of solid rock. False The thicker layer of the Earth is the mantle. True The inner core is made of liquid iron and nickel. During the initial cooling of the Earth, lighter elements floated to the surface, forming the crust. The outer core is composed of silicon and oxygen. 3

Layers of the Atmosphere Quick Check – True or False The layer where weather occurs is called the stratosphere. False The thickest layer is the thermosphere. True The Mesosphere is where you can find falling stars and meteors. Satellite signals are found within the exosphere. Planes fly in this layer, called the stratosphere. 4

Geological Time Scale of Earth’s History:

The Theory of Continental Drift: Continental Drift – The continents have not always been in their present positions, but have drifted to these locations over millions of years. Pangaea (All – World/Earth) = Super-continent ~200 millions years ago, tectonic forces began pulling Pangaea apart. 6

Continental Drift Theory: Early maps of the world caused Wegener to propose the continental drift theory. Proposed that continents moved around on Earth’s surface and were at one time joined together Continents were joined together as a supercontinent and called Pangea “all Earth” Thought continents fit like a “jig-saw puzzle” Continents that are found apart share similar features such as rocks, mountain ranges, fossils and paleoglaciation.

Continental Drift Theory: MAIN EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY: 1) The Jigsaw Puzzle Fit 2) Matching Geological Structures and Rocks - similar rock structures on both continents - Mountain ranges begin on one continent and continue on another continent across an ocean 3) Fossil Evidence Ex: Fossils of Mesosaurus are found in only in: South America and southwestern Africa.

Homework: Complete cloze notes on continental drift -Wednesday Complete discussion questions for Wednesday