Plate tectonics play a big role in changing climate patterns over millions of years. Here’s how:
Movement of Continents: The Earth's plates are always shifting. As they move, continents drift apart or come together. This changes how ocean currents flow. For example, when the Bering Strait opened, it affected the climate in Alaska by changing the way water moved in the ocean.
Building Mountains: When tectonic plates crash into each other, they create mountains. These mountains can change how much rain falls in different areas. Take the Himalayas, for example. They block wet air from one side, which creates very different weather on either side of the mountains.
Volcanoes: When volcanoes erupt, they can send tiny particles into the air. These particles can reflect sunlight away, which can cool the Earth for a little while. A famous case is the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. This eruption led to a summer with no warmth, often called the "Year Without a Summer."
In these ways, the movement and activity of our planet reshape the climate over long periods.
Plate tectonics play a big role in changing climate patterns over millions of years. Here’s how:
Movement of Continents: The Earth's plates are always shifting. As they move, continents drift apart or come together. This changes how ocean currents flow. For example, when the Bering Strait opened, it affected the climate in Alaska by changing the way water moved in the ocean.
Building Mountains: When tectonic plates crash into each other, they create mountains. These mountains can change how much rain falls in different areas. Take the Himalayas, for example. They block wet air from one side, which creates very different weather on either side of the mountains.
Volcanoes: When volcanoes erupt, they can send tiny particles into the air. These particles can reflect sunlight away, which can cool the Earth for a little while. A famous case is the eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. This eruption led to a summer with no warmth, often called the "Year Without a Summer."
In these ways, the movement and activity of our planet reshape the climate over long periods.