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Question #19

What do you understand by the theory of 'continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support.

The recent cyclone on east coast of India was called 'Phailin'. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate.

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The theory of continental drift suggests that the Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have since drifted apart over millions of years. It was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century and was later supported by various pieces of evidence.

  1. Fit of the Continents: The coastlines of Africa and South America seem to fit together like puzzle pieces, suggesting that they were once connected. Similarly, other continents like North America and Europe, or South America and Antarctica, show similar fits.

  2. Fossil Correlations: The presence of identical fossils of plants and animals on different continents that are now separated by vast oceans indicates that these organisms were once living in the same region or environment.

  3. Rock Types and Geological Structures: Similar rock structures and formations on different continents provide evidence of the connections between them. The Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Caledonian Mountains in Europe are a notable example of such similar geological features.

  4. Paleoclimatic evidence: The discovery of ancient glacial deposits in regions that currently have tropical climates is evidence that these regions were once located in polar or temperate zones when the continents were joined.

  5. Magnetic Signatures: The alignment of magnetic minerals in rocks on different continents provides further support for continental drift. These minerals align with the Earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation, which has shifted over geological time.

As for the naming of tropical cyclones worldwide, it follows a standardized procedure set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Different regions follow different naming systems. For example:

  1. North Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific: These tropical cyclones are named using a predefined list of names that alternate between male and female names. The list is maintained and updated by the WMO.

  2. Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean region, including the recent cyclone 'Phailin,' uses a list of names proposed by member countries surrounding the ocean. Each country contributes a set of names, and they are used sequentially.

  3. Western North Pacific: Tropical cyclones in this region are assigned names given by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The names are usually chosen from a list of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino names.

These naming systems help in quickly identifying and communicating about tropical cyclones, making it easier for meteorologists and the general public to track and respond to these severe weather events.

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Continental Drift: A Journey Through Time

The theory of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, postulates that the Earth's continents were once a single supercontinent called Pangaea, which gradually broke apart and drifted to their present positions over millions of years. This theory revolutionized our understanding of Earth's geological history and provided a framework for explaining various geological phenomena.

Prominent Evidences Supporting Continental Drift:

  1. Fit of the Continents: The coastlines of South America and Africa remarkably fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. This suggests they were once connected.

  2. Fossil Distribution: Identical fossils of ancient plants and animals are found on continents now separated by vast oceans. This indicates they were once connected and had similar ecosystems. For example, fossils of the extinct reptile Mesosaurus are found in both South America and Africa.

  3. Geological Formations: Similar rock formations and mountain ranges are found on continents separated by oceans. For instance, the Appalachian Mountains in North America have similar geological structures to the Caledonian Mountains in Europe.

  4. Paleoclimatic Evidence: Glacial deposits and evidence of tropical climates are found on continents currently in different climatic zones. This suggests these continents were once located in different positions.

  5. Magnetic Stripes: The seafloor has alternating magnetic stripes of normal and reversed polarity, mirroring each other on either side of mid-ocean ridges. This pattern supports the idea of seafloor spreading, a key component of plate tectonics, which explains the movement of continents.

Naming Tropical Cyclones: A Global Collaboration

Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region, are named to facilitate communication and tracking. The naming system varies depending on the geographic location:

North Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) uses a list of names that rotate every six years. Names are chosen from a list of pre-determined names, usually alternating between male and female names. If a storm causes significant damage, the name is retired.

Western North Pacific: The WMO uses lists of names submitted by the countries bordering this region. Each country contributes a certain number of names.

South Pacific and Indian Ocean: Similar to the North Pacific, countries in these regions submit names to a regional meteorological center. The names typically reflect local culture or geography.

Cyclone 'Phailin' in India: 'Phailin' was named by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) following the naming convention of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean. It is common for India to choose names from Odia language, due to the frequent occurrence of cyclones in Odisha.

The naming system serves several crucial purposes:

  • Clear Identification: It allows for easy identification and tracking of individual storms.
  • Effective Communication: It facilitates communication between meteorologists, emergency management agencies, and the public.
  • Public Awareness: It helps raise public awareness about the potential risks posed by cyclones.

In conclusion, the theory of continental drift revolutionized our understanding of Earth's geological history, while the naming convention of tropical cyclones ensures effective communication and public awareness about these powerful natural events.

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Theory of Continental Drift:

The theory of continental drift proposes that the continents on Earth have moved over time and were once joined together in a single supercontinent, known as Pangaea. This idea was first proposed by Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, in the early 20th century. Wegener observed that the continents seemed to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and noticed similarities in the coastlines, fossil records, and geological features of different continents.

Evidences in Support of Continental Drift:

  1. Fit of the Continents: The continents do fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, with Africa and South America forming a neat fit with the eastern coast of North America.
  2. Similarity of Coastlines: The coastlines of Africa and South America show similar features, such as similar mountain ranges and sedimentary rock formations.
  3. Fossil Evidence: Fossils of the same age and species have been found on different continents, suggesting that these continents were once connected.
  4. Magnetic Reversals: Rocks on different continents show similar magnetic reversals, indicating that they were formed at the same time and were once connected.
  5. Seafloor Spreading: The discovery of mid-ocean ridges and the process of seafloor spreading provide evidence for the movement of the continents over time.
  6. Paleoclimatology: The study of ancient climates indicates that the continents were once in different positions and had different climates.

Tropical Cyclone Naming:

Tropical cyclones are named to provide a clear and concise way to identify and communicate about these storms. The naming conventions vary by region, but the basic principle is the same.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Naming Conventions:

  1. Atlantic and Northeast Pacific: These storms are named using a list of 21 names that rotate every six years. The lists of names are the same for both the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific.
  2. Northwest Pacific: The Japan Meteorological Agency is responsible for naming storms in this region. The names are taken from a list of 140 names submitted by 14 countries.
  3. Indian Ocean and South Pacific: The Indian Meteorological Department and the Fiji Meteorological Service are responsible for naming storms in these regions. The names are taken from a list of 64 names submitted by eight countries.
  4. Southwest Indian Ocean: The Mauritius Meteorological Service is responsible for naming storms in this region. The names are taken from a list of 24 names submitted by four countries.

Cyclone Phailin:

Cyclone Phailin was a tropical cyclone that struck the east coast of India in October 2013. The name "Phailin" was selected from the list of names submitted by Thailand, which means "sapphire" in Thai.

In summary, the theory of continental drift is supported by various lines of evidence, including the fit of the continents, similarity of coastlines, fossil evidence, magnetic reversals, seafloor spreading, and paleoclimatology. Tropical cyclones are named using a standardized system to provide clear identification and communication about these storms.