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

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 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, those regions were located on arid plateaus in temperate regions.

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 in different positions than they are today, likely located closer to the equator where lush vegetation could thrive and subsequently form coal deposits. This aligns with the idea that continental drift is responsible for the current distribution of geological features and resources on Earth.