How did plate tectonics led to continental drift?

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the movement and behavior of the Earth's lithosphere, the outermost layer of the Earth that includes the crust and upper part of the mantle. The theory states that the lithosphere is broken up into several large plates that are constantly moving and interacting with one another.

Source - World Atlas

The movement of the plates is driven by the process of convection in the mantle, which is the transfer of heat from the Earth's interior to its surface. Hot material rises from the Earth's core and moves towards the surface, while cooler material sinks back down towards the core. This movement creates a circular flow, known as a convection current, which drives the motion of the plates.

There are three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform.

• At divergent boundaries, plates are moving apart from each other. This typically occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new crust is being created as magma rises up to fill the space created by the diverging plates. This process is known as seafloor spreading.
• At convergent boundaries, plates are moving towards each other. When one plate is forced underneath another, a process called subduction, it creates a deep ocean trench and can trigger earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. If two plates of continental crust collide, it can result in the formation of mountains. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates is responsible for the formation of the Himalayas.
• At transform boundaries, plates are moving past each other horizontally. This can create faults, which can lead to earthquakes as the plates rub against each other. The San Andreas Fault in California is an example of a transform boundary.

The theory of plate tectonics has provided explanations for many geological phenomena, such as the formation of mountains, the creation of ocean basins, and the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It has also helped explain the distribution of natural resources, such as oil, gas, and mineral deposits.

One example of how plate tectonics has influenced the Earth's surface is the formation of the continents. Over millions of years, the movement of plates has caused the continents to break apart and come together in different configurations. This process is known as continental drift, and it has played a crucial role in the evolution of life on Earth. The separation of the supercontinent Pangaea into the current configuration of continents allowed for the development of unique ecosystems and species that would not have been possible otherwise.

The study of plate tectonics is ongoing, and scientists continue to explore and discover new aspects of this theory. For example, recent research has shown that the movement of plates can be influenced by factors such as changes in sea level and the formation of mantle plumes, which are hotspots of magma that rise up from the Earth's core. By understanding the behavior of the plates, scientists can gain insights into the history and future of the Earth's geological processes.