What are three pieces of evidence that support plate tectonics movement?

1 answer

1. Seafloor spreading: The discovery of mid-ocean ridges, deep underwater mountain ranges where new oceanic crust is being created, provided strong evidence for plate tectonics theory. As magma rises from the mantle and solidifies at the ridges, it pushes the existing crust apart, causing seafloor spreading.

2. Earthquake distribution: The distribution of earthquakes around the world is not random, but instead follows the boundaries of tectonic plates. Earthquakes often occur along plate boundaries where the plates are interacting, such as at subduction zones or transform faults. This pattern of seismic activity supports the idea of moving tectonic plates.

3. Fossil evidence: Fossils of similar organisms and rock formations have been found on continents that are now separated by vast distances, such as South America and Africa. This suggests that these continents were once part of a larger landmass that later broke apart and drifted to their current positions, providing evidence for continental drift and plate tectonics.