Geologists discovered that the largest coal deposits were formed around 300 million years ago. How did this observation support the theory of plate tectonics?

The correct answer is **C. Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.**

This observation supports the theory of plate tectonics because the formation of large coal deposits is associated with the accumulation of lush vegetation in warm, humid climates, typically found in tropical regions. During the Carboniferous period, approximately 300 million years ago, the continents were configured in a way that many areas that are now land were situated in tropical climates, facilitating the growth of dense forests and resulting in the formation of extensive coal deposits. This evidence aligns with the movement of tectonic plates that positioned these regions in favorable environments for coal formation.