Pangea began to break apart when a three-pronged fissure developed between what are now Africa, South America, and North America.
The Process of Pangea's Breakup
The supercontinent Pangea didn't simply shatter; its breakup was a complex process initiated by rifting. Here's a breakdown:
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Initial Rifting: The process started with the formation of a three-pronged rift zone. Magma from the Earth's mantle welled up through a zone of weakness in the continental crust. This caused the crust to bulge and fracture. This area of weakness developed between the continents that would later become Africa, South America, and North America.
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Volcanic Activity: The upwelling magma created extensive volcanic activity along the rift zone. This activity further weakened the crust and facilitated the separation of the landmasses.
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Continental Drift: As the rift widened, the newly formed continents began to drift apart. This drift was driven by plate tectonics and the movement of the underlying mantle. The Atlantic Ocean began to form as the Americas separated from Africa and Europe.
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Ongoing Separation: The separation of Pangea was not a one-time event but a continuous process that occurred over millions of years. The continents continue to move today, albeit at a much slower rate.
Therefore, the key to Pangea's breakup was the development of a large rift system characterized by upwelling magma, volcanic activity, and ultimately, the drifting apart of the continents.
