This Exam Covers the Following Topics

1. Continental Drift Theory
   • Introduction to the idea of continental drift.
   • Contributions by Alfred Wegener.
   • The concept of Pangaea and Panthalassa.
2. Evidence Supporting Continental Drift
   • Jig-saw fit of continents (e.g., South America and Africa).
   • Fossil evidence (e.g., Mesosaurus).
   • Similarities in rock formations across continents.
   • Glacial deposits and tillites.
   • Placer deposits and their implications.
3. Sea-Floor Spreading
   • Concept introduced by Harry Hess.
   • Formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.
   • Magnetic striping as evidence for seafloor spreading.
   • The age of oceanic crust compared to continental crust.
4. Plate Tectonics
   • Development of the plate tectonics theory.
   • Structure and composition of tectonic plates (continental and oceanic).
   • Major and minor tectonic plates (e.g., Pacific Plate, Nazca Plate).
   • Types of plate boundaries: convergent, divergent, and transform.
5. Subduction Zones and Mountain Building
   • The process of subduction and the recycling of oceanic crust.
   • Formation of mountain ranges (e.g., Himalayas) due to plate collision.
6. Mid-Ocean Ridges and Ocean Floor Configuration
   • Features of mid-ocean ridges and abyssal plains.
   • Volcanic activity and the formation of new crust.
   • Mapping of the ocean floor and discovery of its relief features.
7. Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
   • Seismic and volcanic activity along tectonic boundaries.
   • The “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific region.
8. Movement of the Indian Plate
   • Historical journey of the Indian Plate and its collision with the Eurasian Plate.
   • Formation of the Himalayas and the Deccan Traps.
9. Convection Currents in the Mantle
   • Explanation of how mantle convection drives plate movement.
   • Role of radioactive decay and heat in the Earth’s mantle.
10. Forces Driving Plate Movements
    • Pole-fleeing forces and tidal forces (original ideas by Wegener).
    • Modern understanding of mantle convection as the primary force.

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