Question

The modern continent of Africa is currently splitting into multiple tectonic plates. The Nubian Plate is moving eastward, and the Somali Plate is also moving eastward, but at a slightly faster rate. In what way is this event similar to the breakup of Pangaea?

A) Both the Nubian and Somali Plates are moving westward.
B) The Nubian Plate is moving eastward, while the Somali Plate is moving westward.
C) The Nubian Plate is stationary, and only the Somali Plate is moving.
D) Both the Nubian and Somali Plates are stationary.

Answer 1

Africa's continental rifting, splitting the African Plate into Nubian and Somali Plates, is similar to the breakup of Pangaea; both involve continental rifting, leading to landmasses splitting and drifting apart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The modern continent of Africa is indeed experiencing continental rifting that is leading to the division of the African Plate into the Nubian Plate and the Somali Plate, both of which are moving eastward. This event is similar to the breakup of Pangaea in the sense that both involve the process of continental rifting, where a landmass is being split into multiple parts. During Pangaea's breakup, similar rifting caused the ancient supercontinent to divide and the continents to drift apart, eventually leading to the formation of our current continental configuration. In Africa's case, the Great Rift Valley is the most significant evidence of this ongoing process, showing a landmass undergoing a similar process of divergence and plate splitting.In conclusion, the correct answer to the student's question is not listed among the options provided, as both the Nubian and Somali Plates are moving eastward, which means the similarity lies in the rifting process that led to the breakup of Pangaea.