Pangaea done over
Have you ever enjoyed working a jigsaw puzzle?
Pangaea, a super continent that existed from 300 million to 175 million years ago, is the original model for our planet!
I have often enjoyed fitting the continents together. It is quite informative to merge paleontology with current political geography.Geologic movements determine the fate of nation states.
It is easy to see the estimated northeastward push of India from the East of Africa. The ultimate result was the Himalaya Mountains as they were pushed thousands of feet high by collision forces. The former landscape would have been as straight and flat as the current shores of Arabia.
It is apparent that Madagascar which is following along will slam into the west coast of India if things continue on track! Quite possibly the continent of Africa might split north to south along the rift valley and the eastern area move out into the Indian ocean as well!
If the Gulf of California hadn't been formed a million years ago, North America would be a different place today! Settlers in the US would not have been blocked by the so called Sea of Cortez. The west coast of Mexico would have been the alternate destination for west bound settlers. Sutter's Mill might have been discovered later. The migrant situation would have played out differently.
I often answer questions on political geography in Quora which I enjoy immensely. There is quite a forum about colonies and their formation. The European model of American colonialism would have been turned on it's side.
Maritime routes of commerce and trade would have largely disappeared. Navigating by compass may have been associated with land routes. A common oceanic global pond comprising about 40% of the Earth's surface would have been the area to explore and navigate.
Today telecommunications would have truly shrunk. The web would be quite a different place. Earth would exhibit a streamlined topography. This would have a great effect on commercial costs and our WA populace. How might this have changed the nature of your web sites?
Recent Comments
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Interesting Mike.
If I may ask, where would the Lost continents of Lemuria and Atlantis fit on the map?
Sonny
A good question. By the same token except for remnants of evidence, how can we be sure Pangaea isn't legendary?
Mu is short for Lemuria. James Churchward wrote a series of books on the Lost Continent of Mu beginning in the late 1920's.
I read them all. Pretty convincing, especially when you look at a map of the Pacific. The Ring of Fire.
Sonny
One theory has the boon bulging out and breaking off the earth. Leaves the crater void of the Pacific!
Good afternoon Mike,
Looking at that map I must say I prefer how it is today. Somehow it looks less crowded. A little space between countries here and there does not harm either.
Greetings from the south of Spain, Taetske
Let me ask you a question Mr. Mike, and I ask sincerely...Is there any subject you are ignorant on? I mean seriously? I know you like the research and learning new things, but you are spot on every time and would be considered the subject matter in EVERYTHING!! I am mesmerized everyday, sometimes 2-3 times a day by your awesome ability to capture any subject on any terms and break it down so dummies like me can understand it. I am humbled to know you!!
Yay YOU Indeed!! 🌟
Liz*
Rhode Island and Morocco were adjacent in Pangaea as evidenced by the presence of Cumberlandite (the Rhode Island state rock). It's only found here and Morocco.
Ellen
When I learned about Pangaea, I was about 12 and I loved it! Haven't thought about it much in recent years but your article wasa delight.
That was really interested in very cool my friend thank you I love reading your articles have a beautiful week
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Fascinating stuff Mike!
When I was younger I wanted to be a cartographer...have always loved to study maps.
Now I’m off on a Pangaea tangent to learn more!
KyleAnn