10 Questions
Alfred Wegener, a German scientist, proposed the theory of a supercontinent called ______ in the early 20th century.
Pangaea
Pangaea existed for approximately ______ million years, forming around 335 million years ago and breaking apart roughly 175 million years ago.
160
During Pangaea's existence, the Earth's geological engine was still active, resulting in constant geological ______.
changes
Major mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, had not yet formed during this time. Older mountains, like the Appalachian Mountains, Scottish Highlands, and the Little Atlas Mountains, formed a continuous mountain range called the central ______ range.
Pangaean
The beginning of the Tethys ocean was also present, covering about 60 million square ______.
kilometers
The equatorial current, created by winds at the equator, pushed warm waters westward, leading to rain and moisture in surrounding ______.
lands
Temperatures were roughly 3 degrees Celsius warmer than modern times, making moisture the primary determining factor for the ______.
environment
Cold water evaporates less, leading to desert formation beside ______ currents.
cold
Warm Atlantic waters cause increased humidity in eastern parts of the United States, South America, Africa, and ______.
Australia
Narrow savanna regions form around the edges of the ______, with oceans acting as moderating forces for temperature and humidity.
land
Study Notes
- Alfred Wegener, a German scientist, proposed the theory of a supercontinent called Pangaea in the early 20th century.
- Pangaea existed for approximately 160 million years, forming around 335 million years ago and breaking apart roughly 175 million years ago.
- During Pangaea's existence, the Earth's geological engine was still active, resulting in constant geological changes.
- To understand the geography of Pangaea, it's necessary to look at a specific time period. This analysis will focus on the time between 100 and 90 million years to 230 million years ago.
- Major mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, had not yet formed during this time. Older mountains, like the Appalachian Mountains, Scottish Highlands, and the Little Atlas Mountains, formed a continuous mountain range called the central Pangaean range.
- The separation of Pangaea between the two remnants of older supercontinents, Gondwana and Laurasia, produced mountain ranges such as the Laurentian Mountains and the Guiana Shield.
- The Virgin orogeny was another significant mountain-building event that led to the growth of the Alps, Pyrenees, Ural Mountains, and the Tian Shan mountains.
- The Panthalassa ocean, meaning "the all sea in Greek," encompassed most of the world during Pangaea's existence.
- The beginning of the Tethys ocean was also present, covering about 60 million square kilometers.
- Ocean currents played a crucial role in climate and ecology during Pangaea's time.
- The equatorial current, created by winds at the equator, pushed warm waters westward, leading to rain and moisture in surrounding lands.
- The Earth's rotation and wind patterns suggest similar wind patterns and ocean currents during this time.
- Temperatures were roughly 3 degrees Celsius warmer than modern times, making moisture the primary determining factor for the environment.
- The lands of Pangaea were balanced between wet forests and dry deserts, with savannas acting as transition zones.
- Cold water evaporates less, leading to desert formation beside cold currents. Warm waters promote forest growth.- Warm Atlantic waters cause increased humidity in eastern parts of the United States, South America, Africa, and Australia.
- Deserts are pushed further into interior areas, where they already exist.
- Seasonal monsoons bring moisture further inland, extending forests towards the equator.
- Equatorial forests likely would not have crossed over central Pyncheon mountains due to the rainshadow effect.
- Narrow savanna regions form around the edges of the land, with oceans acting as moderating forces for temperature and humidity.
- Creating a more detailed map requires extensive collaboration and the analysis of plant fossils.
- Speaker suggests checking out their Patreon for additional income and potential collaboration opportunities.
Explore the geological and geographical aspects of Pangaea during a specific time period between 100 and 90 million years to 230 million years ago. Learn about the formation of major mountain ranges, the role of ocean currents in climate and ecology, and the distribution of forests, deserts, and savannas.
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