Supercontinents?

Question

What is the relevance of studying supercontinents and what are its applications?

kdanley, I wasn't asking whether or not you believe plate tectonic theory, I'm asking about supercontinents and why studying them and knowing about them is useful and the knowledge can be applied.

Answer 1

The study of naturally occurring phenomena is called "Science", and doesn't need a reason. There was a mathematician who developed Boolean Algebra, and was questioned as to its use. Years later, electrical engineers needed a language to study logic circuits for the development of new computers and Boolean Algebra was the perfect tool. Nobody remembers the names of the naysayers, for they are not important.

The study of supercontinents allows a glimpse into past conditions on the Earth. It is a legitimate part of the Science of Geology and does not need "relevance". Applications are abundant in Paleontology and Structrual Geology, along with other branches of Geology.

Answer 2

The entire earth is one big supercontinent. The low spots are just full of water called oceans. As for Pangea there is no evidence for it and much against it. South America and Africa fitting is a mere coincidence. The fossils found on both sides are also found all over the world. Also, some are twisted one way and others are twisted another way. Furthermore, you cannot just 'move' a continent. If were able to move one about a foot it would produce an earthquake and a tidal wave that would destroy all life on earth.
The plates may be moving (there's no solid proof of this), but that does not mean the rate has remained consistent. I am sorry; this Pangea theory is standing on some very shaky ground. Don't build your house on it.

There is no use in studying the supercontinents. It has no practical applications and is just used to explain an old earth. Even if it were true it would have no relevance to modern geology or science in general. Study it if you need a good grade in class, but after that drop it like a bad habit.

Answer 3

Well, if you are going to be an accountant, probably not much relevance. If you are going to be an (ore deposit) exploration geologist, the relevance is extremely high. the direct relevance depends on what you intend to do for a career. Indirectly, understanding the earth's history can have wide-reaching utility. no time to discuss in detail, sorry.

A lot of stuff that you learn from school has no direct relevance but can be useful in general terms, or is taught simply because knowledge has a value of its own irrespective of the direct application. Besides, it is always best to leave your options open, you never know where life will take you.

Answer 4

Studying the supercontinents or the "Pangaea" would allow us to understand the different tectonic activities that happen today and the diffrerent landforms that we see in our world. The supercontinent primarily would help us know the changes in the earth's landforms that resulted into the present location of continents