The outer layers of the Earth (the crust and
upper part of the mantle) are divided into
massive portions of rock called tectonic
plates.
These plates have the ability to move due
to convection currents that exist in the
mantle. This movement means that parts
of ancient continents that make up the
Britain we know today have moved over
the surface of the Earth.
Magnetic data
Geologists can use magnetic clues in rocks to document
the movement of continents. This movement is tracked by
studying magnetic particles contained in some rocks such
as certain types of lava and sediment that contain
magnetite.
When lava has cooled, magnetite can become
magnetised in the direction of the Earth’s
magnetic field at that particular time. A similar
process occurs with sediment.
Measuring the angle at which rocks are magnetised allows the
latitude of the originally formed rock to be deduced. Comparing the
predicted historical location and magnetic direction to the present
location allows a map of continental movement to be developed.
Differences shown in rocks
The movement of continents has meant a wide range
of rocks are found in Britain that has formed in
different climates.
Clues in sedimentary rock
The study of sedimentary
rock provides evidence of the
conditions under which they
were formed.
fossils of plants and animals found in the rock are distinctive of
certain geological time periods. Comparing them against
modern day organisms gives an idea of the environment in
which they existed
grains of sand found in rock can be compared
against grains found in deserts or rivers to
determine if they were air blown or water borne
ripples in rocks formed by wind
blowing or water flowing.
natural Formation of resources
When plants have died and formed peat
due to a lack of oxygen, the peat has been
buried by sediment leading to compression
and heating. This eventually formed coal
Seawater that was inland millions of years ago created salt marshes. As
water in these marshes evaporated, deposits of rock salt formed.
Other processes such as erosion and
sedimentation have led to the formation of
other valuable resources such as sandstone.