Pangea began to break up approximately 200 million years ago. This process occurred during the Early Jurassic Epoch, which spanned from 201 million to 174 million years ago.
The Breakup of Pangea
The supercontinent Pangea did not fragment instantly. Instead, its breakup was a gradual process that unfolded over millions of years. Here's a breakdown:
- Early Stages: The initial rifting began about 200 million years ago, marking the start of Pangea's disintegration. This rifting led to the formation of what would eventually become the modern continents.
- Jurassic Period: During the Early Jurassic Epoch (201 to 174 million years ago), the major break-up events occurred. This period saw the emergence of large rift valleys and the beginnings of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- Consequences: The breakup was not just about landmasses separating; it also involved significant geological and climate changes.
- New ocean basins were formed.
- Ocean currents were altered, impacting global weather patterns.
- Continents moved to their present-day positions.
Timeline of Pangea's Fragmentation
| Time Period | Event |
|---|---|
| ~ 200 Million Years Ago | Initial rifting begins. |
| Early Jurassic Epoch | Major break-up events occur, formation of oceans. |
| Ongoing | Continents continue to move to their current positions. |
How We Know
Scientists have pieced together the history of Pangea's breakup by examining:
- Rock Formations: The similarities in rock formations on different continents that were once joined together.
- Fossil Records: The discovery of similar fossils on separate continents, indicating that they were once close to one another.
- Magnetic Anomalies: Patterns of magnetism preserved in rocks, revealing the movement and direction of continental plates.
The fragmentation of Pangea was a transformative geological event that reshaped the Earth's surface and led to the world as we know it today.
