Cross-continental geological formations

Since the discovery of continental shapes, scientists have been searching for further evidence to explain whether it is just a coincidence or whether it can be used to explain continental drift. Offering further support for continental shapes is cross-continental geological formations. This piece of evidence builds on the theory that the continents were once joined together.

Geologists have discovered that positions of some geological formations align perfectly when the continents are placed together. One of the most obvious geological structures is mountain chains. This is because mountain chains have been found at one end of a coastline, only to reappear on a landmass across the ocean.  An example of this as shown in the picture, illustrates how the Appalachian Mountain chain runs through the eastern United States, ending off the coast of Newfoundland.

The next picture demonstrates that if the continents were placed together, these mountain chains would continue unbroken and form a nearly continuous chain.

However, the problem with the accuracy of matching geological formations is establishing which rock formations and geological features are significant in trying to find a match between the continents. This is because geological features were formed before the continents were joined, during and after the splitting of the continents. To help solve this, geologists try to find a match by finding the age of ocean rocks and sediments, which will be mentioned in a later blog.