Curiosity Corner : Why do continents fit like puzzle pieces ? |

timesofindia.indiatimes.com · Feb 24, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

Full Article

Remarkably, the shorelines of Africa and South America reflect each other almost perfectly, an extraordinary discovery that ignited a wave of scientific inquiry. Long ago, these continents were joined as part of a single landmass called Pangaea, but tectonic activity pulled them apart over countless millennia.Open an atlas and look closely at the world map. Notice how the eastern coast of South America seems to match the western edge of Africa. It almost looks like someone broke a giant cookie into pieces and spread them across the oceans.Is this just a coincidence? No. There is a scientific reason behind this curious fit, and the story begins millions of years ago.In the early 1900s, a scientist named Alfred Wegener studied maps carefully. He noticed that continents on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean looked like they could join together.South America and Africa were the most obvious pair. Their coastlines curved in ways that seemed to match. But Wegener did not stop at shape alone. He also found:The same types of fossils on both continentsSimilar rock layers of the same ageMatching mountain rangesThese clues suggested that the continents were once connected, not floating separately as they are today.The Giant SupercontinentScientists now believe that about 300 million years ago, all the continents were joined into one massive landmass called Pangaea.Over millions of years, this supercontinent slowly broke apart. The pieces drifted away from each other. This movement is called continental drift, and it happens because Earth’s outer layer is broken into huge slabs called tectonic plates.These plates move very slowly. On average, they shift only a few centimeters each year. That is about the speed at which fingernails grow. Slow, but powerful over time.Hidden proof beneath the oceanThe puzzle shape is only part of the story. Scientists found stronger proof under the ocean floor.In the mid-20th century, researchers discovered long underwater mountain chains called mid-ocean ridges. New rock forms there as magma rises from inside the Earth. This process pushes the continents apart.This idea, called seafloor spreading, explained how continents move. When this evidence combined with Wegener’s earlier ideas, the modern theory of plate tectonics was born.Today, plate tectonics is one of the most important scientific theories in geology.Why the fit is not perfectIf continents were once joined, why do they not fit perfectly now?The answer lies in time and change.Coastlines erode due to waves and wind.Sea levels rise and fall.Sediments build up along the edges.Also, scientists compare the edges of the continental shelves, not just the visible coastlines. When these underwater edges are matched, the fit becomes much clearer.So the “puzzle pieces” are slightly worn out by nature’s slow work.What this teaches curious mindsThe story of the continents teaches something powerful. A simple observation, like noticing shapes on a map, can lead to a big scientific discovery.It also shows that science does not move in a straight line. When Wegener first proposed his idea in 1912, many scientists did not believe him. He lacked proof about how continents could move. Decades later, new technology provided the missing pieces.Curiosity begins with asking small questions. Sometimes those questions change how people understand the entire planet.Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes. It explains established scientific theories based on geological research. For deeper academic study, readers are encouraged to consult certified textbooks or professional geologists.