Chapter 27, Problem 20TE

To determine

The clues to identify the boundaries between ancient plates that are no longer in existence.

Answer to Problem 20TE

The clues used to recognize the boundaries between ancient plates are: fit of the continents, paleoclimate indicators, truncated geologic features, and fossils.

Explanation of Solution

The following clues can be used to recognize the boundaries of ancient plates that are no longer in existence:

The fit of continents: The rudimentary map used to note the complementary shapes of the coastline of Europe and Africa with North and South America. In this manner, an idea is built to identify the complementary parts of the ancient plates.

Palaeoclimate: Paleoclimate indicators in sedimentary strata show the formation of Paleozoic strata in Europe (Northwest). The coals found in this region show that there was a hot climate where these coals are formed and it can only be seen near the equatorial region of the Earth.

Truncated geologic features: After studying the geological features of the region across the world, one may conclude the mountains building event, igneous intrusion, and the development of major sedimentary features from the erosion of the rising mountains North America and Europe reconstructed into a nice fit northwestern Europe.

Fossils: After evacuation and identifying the samples of the fossils and its quantity, many scientists relate the many regions of the world with the concept of continental drift.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the clues used to recognize the boundaries between ancient plates are: fit of the continents, paleoclimate indicators, truncated geologic features, and fossils.