Question

Africa and South America used to be joined together in Pangaea, but are now separated by the Atlantic Ocean. What do you think might be causing this pattern? A) Plate tectonics B) Volcanic eruptions C) Solar flares D) Meteor impacts

Answer 1

The separation of Africa and South America is caused by plate tectonics, specifically the movement of tectonic plates. Slow convection of the mantle drives this movement. Volcanic eruptions and other processes can occur as a result, but are not the direct cause of the separation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pattern of Africa and South America being joined together in Pangaea and now separated by the Atlantic Ocean is caused by plate tectonics. The Earth's crust and upper mantle are divided into tectonic plates that move and interact with each other. In the case of Africa and South America, the plates that these continents are located on have moved apart, resulting in the separation of the two continents.

This movement of tectonic plates is powered by slow convection of the mantle. Heat escaping from the Earth's interior creates an upward flow of warmer material and a sinking of cooler material, which in turn drives the movement of the plates.It is important to note that while volcanic eruptions and other geological processes can occur as a result of plate tectonics, they are not the direct cause of the separation of Africa and South America.

Learn more about Plate Tectonics