Orthoversion and Introversion models of Supercontinent formation

The Supercontinent Amasia theory is based upon the fact that plates of Earth’s crust are always moving. As per this theory, Americas and Asia will drift northward, closing off the Arctic and Caribbean Oceans, to merge around the North Pole and form a Supercontinent called Amasia.

The geologists believe that formation of the super continents follows a pattern and they form at 90 degrees from each other. The last supercontinent Pangea — which was formed 300 million years ago — was preceded by as many as three others. The Pangaea was formed 90° to Rodinia, the super continent before it, which in turn was formed at 90° to the super continent before it called Nuna. This model of super continents which says that a super continent is formed at 90° to its previous supercontinent is called ‘orthoversion’ model of supercontinent formation.

There is one more such model on the formation of super continents. This model is known as "introversion" model which says that the super continents rip apart and come back together in roughly the same place. Then, there is a third model also which says that when supercontinents come apart the individual continents travel around the globe to form a continent on the other side. This model is called "extroversion".

• The core reason behind this dynamics is the continental drift which refers to the fact that the continents move imperceptibly each year with the rate of movement varying depending upon the landmass.