Is It Possible That the Breakage of Pangaea Was Caused by the Expansion of the Universe?
Cosmological Expansion
Understanding the expansion of the universe is crucial to dispelling misconceptions about the forces causing the breakage of the supercontinent, Pangaea.
What Exactly is Cosmic Expansion?
At the heart of our universe lies the process known as cosmic expansion. This is the gradual increase in the distance between galaxies over time. The expansion is driven by the creation of new quantum space in the intergalactic voids, primarily mediated by WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles).
How Do WIMPs Influence Cosmic Expansion?
Over billions of years, WIMPs, which are considered to be a form of dilated dark matter, have been exerting a weak but persistent force pushing galaxies apart, thereby increasing their relative velocities.
Key Insights From Quantum Space
For a more comprehensive understanding, it is imperative to delve into the creation of quantum space. My other Quora answers titled 'Is space made of something?' provide detailed insights into this fascinating concept.
Continental Drift and the Breakage of Pangaea
The breakage of Pangaea, the supercontinent that once united Earth’s landmasses, is a significant geological event, but it is not driven by cosmic expansion. Instead, it is the result of continental drift, a process driven by the forces of gravity.
Mantle Convection and Plate Tectonics
Continental drift is primarily governed by the principles of plate tectonics, a theory that describes the dynamic movement of Earth's lithosphere. This movement is driven by convection currents in the Earth's mantle, which act like conveyor belts transporting tectonic plates across the planet's surface.
The Historical Evolution of Pangea
The break-up of Pangea was not a one-time event but has occurred in a cyclical pattern over Earth's history. There have been previous supercontinents such as Rodinia, which broke apart before reuniting to form Pangea. Pangea, in turn, broke up to form the present configuration of continents, which are expected to reassemble into another supercontinent, possibly named Pangea Ultima.
The Role of Gravity
Gravity plays a crucial role in the process of continental drift. The gravitational forces responsible for the Earth's orbit around the Sun generate centrifugal forces that spread continents apart. This phenomenon is illustrated in the fragmentation of the ancient landmasses into Laurasia and Gondwana, which eventually separated due to tectonic activity.
The Impact Event and the Birth of Pangaea
The formation of Pangaea itself is a result of a collision event. Prior to the epoch of Pangaea, the Earth was struck by a large chunk of frozen water, ejecting a molten mass that eventually formed the Moon and, over time, facilitated the creation of the supercontinent. The ejected mass also created the familiar precession wobble of the Earth, which influences our seasons.
The Future of Earth's Continents
As the Earth's surface continues to evolve through tectonic activity, our seasons will eventually diminish as the landmass distribution reaches equilibrium.
In conclusion, the breakage of Pangaea is a result of geological processes driven by Earth's internal dynamics, specifically mantle convection and plate tectonics. The expansion of the universe, while a significant cosmic phenomenon, does not directly influence the breakage of continental landmasses.