12 Explain how the formation and breakup of supercontinents could be deschibed as a cycle.

The formation and breakup of supercontinents can be described as a cycle that involves several stages. Here is a simplified explanation of this cycle: 1. **Formation of Supercontinents**: Supercontinents are large landmasses that form when smaller continents come together. This process is known as continental drift. Over millions of years, the continents move and eventually collide, forming a supercontinent. 2. **Rifting and Breakup**: As the supercontinent continues to grow, the immense pressure and heat from the collision cause the landmass to crack and split apart. This process is called rifting. The supercontinent eventually breaks up into smaller continents. 3. **Continental Drift and New Supercontinents**: After the breakup, the smaller continents continue to drift apart. Over time, they may come together again to form new supercontinents. This process repeats, creating a cycle of supercontinent formation and breakup. 4. **Continental Drift and New Supercontinents**: The cycle continues as the smaller continents drift apart and eventually come together to form new supercontinents. This cycle of supercontinent formation and breakup is driven by the movement of tectonic plates and the forces of plate tectonics. In summary, the formation and breakup of supercontinents can be described as a cycle that involves the movement of continents, rifting, and the eventual formation of new supercontinents. This cycle is driven by the forces of plate tectonics and the movement of tectonic plates over geological time scales.