Scientists today can read the history of the rock record by studying the age and mineral content of the rocks in a certain area.

The Triple Junction was formed because of a three-way split in the crust allowing massive lava flows. The split was caused by an upwelling of magma that broke the crust in three directions and poured out lava over hundreds of square miles of Africa and South America.

The rocks of the triple junction, which today is the west central portion of Africa and the east central portion of South America, are identical matches for age and mineral make up. In other words the rocks in these areas of the two continents were produced at the same time and in the same place. This tells us that South America and Africa were connected at one time!

Today these two continents are separated by the Atlantic Ocean which is over 2000 miles wide!

Now go to 135 million years ago by clicking the "Next" button.