Geologists discovered that the largest coal deposits were formed around 300 million years ago. How did this observation support the theory of plate tectonics?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed.
Around that time, those regions were located near the south pole where coal would likely have formed.

Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions.
Around that time, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions.

Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.
Around that time, those regions were located in tropical climates that were partially submerged on the coasts.

Around that time, it is thought that those regions were located along the ridge of a long mountain chain.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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 it indicates that the continents were positioned differently 300 million years ago, particularly during the time of the Carboniferous period when large coal deposits formed. The formation of coal typically requires warm, humid conditions, which were more prevalent in tropical climates, suggesting that the landmasses that produced these deposits were situated in such environments due to the movement of tectonic plates.