Plate Tectonic Evolution of the North Atlantic: Scotese Animation

This animation shows the plate tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of the North Atlantic region from 200 million years ago to the present-day. North Atlantic Ocean formed as a result of the breakup of the supercontinent of Pangea. The Central Atlantic opened as North America rifted away from northwest Africa (170 Ma). About 150 million years ago, South America rifted away from North America opening the Gulf of Mexico. About 80 million years ago the northern North Atlantic, between Europe and North America opened. Please cite this animations as: Scotese, C.R., and Scotese, J.D., 2006. Plate Tectonic Evolution of North Atlantic PALEOMAP Project, Evanston, IL Prof. Christopher R. Scotese Director, PALEOMAP Project 134 Dodge, Evanston Illinois 60202 817 914 7090 (cell)