The Earth's crust is not solid. It is broken into pieces called tectonic plates, These plates float on top of the mantle, a layer of molten rock that circulates in
convection currents. The vertical circulation of these convection currents causes
the tectonic plates to move at a rate of mere centimeters a year. Over time, this
movement has resulted in changes to the location and shape of the continents
we know today, as some plate edges dive below their neighbors while new crust
is formed at others. The direction of plate movement is dependent upon the
direction of mantle circulation below the plate boundaries. The results of this
plate movement over time is shown in the pair of maps below.
250 Million Years Ago
Earth Today
North Pole
North Pole
NORTH
BURASA
PANGAEA
South Po
South Pole
Which staten
is NOT