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

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, 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 suggests that the continents were once arranged differently, allowing areas that are now coal-rich to have been located in suitable environments (tropical climates) for coal formation. This aligns with the movement of tectonic plates over geological time, altering the positions of landmasses and climate conditions.