What evidence suggests a connection between climate and continental drift?

The connection between climate and continental drift is notably evidenced by glacier scars and striations found in bedrock. These features are a result of glacial movement, where ice sheets carved out physical marks in the rock as they advanced and retreated over time. This phenomenon supports the concept of continental drift, as it suggests that continents were once located in different positions relative to the poles. For instance, areas currently situated near the equator, such as parts of Africa or South America, bear marks indicating they were once closer to the southern pole, where glaciers existed.

The alignment and age of these glacial features provide a historical climate record that indicates how continents have shifted over geologic time, leading to dramatic changes in climate. As continents drift, the disposition of landmasses affects ocean currents and atmospheric patterns, which in turn influences climate conditions globally. This correlation illustrates how the movement of tectonic plates is intricately linked to climatic shifts throughout Earth's history, thereby supporting the theory of continental drift through geological and climate-related evidence.

In contrast, sediment layering might inform about past environmental conditions, but does not directly indicate the movement of continents. Similarly, while ocean currents play a role in climate, they do not effectively illustrate the historical connection between shifting landm