Pangea: the supercontinent that split apart
Pangea formed 335 million years ago and split 200 million years ago, opening the Atlantic Ocean.
One continent that ruled Earth
About 335 million years ago all continents joined into Pangea, a 150 million square kilometer landmass. It was ringed by the Panthalassa Ocean and had deserts 5,000 kilometers inland with 50 degree summers.
Alfred Wegener proposed drift in 1912 from matching fossils and coal in Antarctica. Geologists mocked him for 50 years because he lacked a motor until seafloor spreading was found in 1960.
Breakup that still continues
Pangea began splitting 200 million years ago when the Atlantic rift opened. Today the ocean widens 2.5 centimeters yearly, and Africa and Europe move 2 centimeters closer, closing the Mediterranean.
In 250 million years continents may join as Pangea Proxima. Models predict the Atlantic will close and the Pacific shrink by 4 centimeters yearly, building Himalaya-high ranges 8,000 meters tall.
- Pangea formed 335 million years ago
- Wegener proposed drift in 1912
- Split started 200 million years ago
- Atlantic widens 2.5 cm yearly
- Next supercontinent in 250 million years