These relative motions result in earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains at plate boundaries. To understand and appreciate the significance of plate tectonics, we begin with those concepts which led to its development. Tasa, Plate Tectonics CD-ROM, Chapt. With time they have slowly moved to their present positions. Fit of the continents across the Atlantic Ocean Tasa PT Chapt.
Atlantic coastlines fit together like a jig-saw puzzle.
Wegener explored whether geologic features also matched-up in his recontruction. Frames 3 to end Appalachian mts. and similar range in Europe connect up when continents are reconstructed. Distinctive types of rocks and patterns of folds on Africa and S. America match up well for a reconstructed Pangea. Distribution of sedimentary rocks reflecting paleoclimate Tasa- PT Chpt. For example, ancient coral reefs and coal swamps form in warm, humid, low latitudes.