As we sit here, continents are adrift, like leaves on a pond. GPS tracking shows North America & Europe currently moving apart at the same rate your fingernail grows, or about two yards in a human lifetime.
In Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything," he highlights the slow yet constant movement of continents, illustrating the gradual drift of North America and Europe. This phenomenon is likened to leaves floating on a pond, emphasizing the subtlety of geological processes that shape our planet over time. The comparison to fingernail growth provides a relatable measure of this movement's pace, making it easier to understand for readers.
This observation invites contemplation on the dynamic nature of Earth and the forces at work that continually reshape its landscape. It serves as a reminder of the vast timescales involved in geological change, encouraging individuals to appreciate the ever-evolving world around them and the slow but relentless journey of the continents.