does anyone belive in the theory of Pangea?

Answer 1

Probably most people believe in it, but it has its skeptics, too. After all, just because the continents SEEM to fit together, that hardly means they DID. Anyone who reads a murder mystery can tell you that appearance is not the same as reality.

There is fairly interesting animation done by Neal Adams, for example, demonstrating how a large mass of continents on one side of the planet would throw off the axial spin and redistribute the oceans until Pangea was swamped and a new island was formed on the other side of the planet (link 1). Though I'm awfully skeptical of the remainder of Adams' ideas, his criticism of the existing model seems to be a valid one.

As for me, I'm keeping an open mind. I haven't seen too many compelling reasons why there MUST have been a Pangea, nor having I seen too many why there could not possibly have been one. I suppose we'll just have to see.

Answer 2

Everyone who studies earth sciences believes in Pangea. Science has two uses for the word theory. Some theories are "just theories"; that is, proposed ideas of how something happened, or does happen; ideas which are still open too discussion and possible disproval. Other "theories" are regarded as fact, and when one discusses theories of that type, they are actually discussing details of the subject, not its over all validity. Pangea and the "theory" of plate tectonics fall under this second meaning of theory. Scientists are still trying to determine the details of how plate tectonics created and then tore apart Pangea, but they all agree that it did happen.

Answer 3

The theory is called Plate Tectonics and comprises 2 elements: sea floor spreading and subduction. 2 examples of these:

Subduction is how the Himalaya mountains formed. Continental masses "subduct" under each other as plates move. It has been shown that India broke of Pangea and slammed into Asia

We see how SA and Africa split apart. The Red Sea will become an ocean as it widens from sea floor spreading.

Answer 4

Pangea certainly existed, although not as the landforms that exist today. To say that you can "cut the map of the globe into pieces and they all fit together", is a bit of an exaggeration as much of today's crustal material had yet to form.

Answer 5

As a geologist, I would hesitate to use the word believe since that connotes a belief system. I think the evidence is so overwhelming that it is nearly impossible that it is not true. Pangea was indeed once a super-continent.

Answer 6

Pangea is fact. take a cheap map of the world and cut out all the continents from it.. then try to fit them together. America fits Europe, South America fits with Africa. Etc. You can clearly see from looking at a simple map how all of the continents were once indeed togaether.

Answer 7

First off, there is no word "belive", I assume you meant "believe". Pangaea (and I know how to spell it) is a reasonable explanation for anyone who studies geology. What are you saying, that you don't believe in it? Facts are facts and they cannot be explained away by irrational adherence to non-scientific dogma. Haven't you seen that little thing called "Check Spelling"? Probably not, the ignorant are content to wallow in their ignorance.

Answer 8

Check out this link at Wikipedia -- the animation is FANTASTIC. It is so easy to see how this totally works. Plus, it just looks great!

Answer 9

Well it does make sense and they have shown various continents that fit together and have similar minerals and sand.

Answer 10

Yes, I believe it. Ever heard of plate tectonics?