The plant fossils found at Svalbard in Norway provided significant evidence for the theory of drifting continents, specifically the theory of plate tectonics. These fossils belonged to ancient plant species that are typically found in warm or tropical climates, such as ferns, palms, and trees.
During the late Paleozoic era, around 380 million years ago, Svalbard was situated near the equator, indicating that the climate was warm. However, Svalbard's current position is in the Arctic region, which experiences extremely cold temperatures. This stark difference in climate between the ancient and present-day environments suggests that Svalbard must have moved significantly over time.
The presence of these plant fossils provides clear evidence of continental drift because they are indicative of a different geological history. To explain the change in climate and the presence of these warm-climate plant species in an area that is now frigid, geologists concluded that Svalbard must have been part of a continent that drifted from a warmer location to its present location in the Arctic.
By examining the characteristics of the plant fossils, scientists were able to compare them to similar fossils found in other parts of the world, which helped establish connections between different continents. The similarities in plant species found across currently separated landmasses, like North America, Europe, and Asia, further supported the notion of continental drift.
Additionally, the discovery of certain plant fossils that are exclusive to specific regions and couldn't have naturally dispersed across vast oceans provided strong evidence that these landmasses were once connected and later drifted apart.
Overall, the presence of plant fossils in Svalbard that are more suited to tropical climates than its current frigid environment offers substantial evidence for the theory of drifting continents, supporting the concept of plate tectonics and the dynamic nature of Earth's geology.
Describe how plant fossils found at Svalbard in Norway gave evidence of drifting continents
1 answer