<P> There are two contrasting models for supercontinent evolution through geological time . The first model theorizes that at least two separate supercontinents existed comprising Vaalbara (from ~ 3636 to 2803 Ma) and Kenorland (from ~ 2720 to 2450 Ma). The Neoarchean supercontinent consisted of Superia and Sclavia . These parts of Neoarchean age broke off at ~ 2480 and 2312 Ma and portions of them later collided to form Nuna (Northern Europe North America) (~ 1820 Ma). Nuna continued to develop during the Mesoproterozoic, primarily by lateral accretion of juvenile arcs, and in ~ 1000 Ma Nuna collided with other land masses, forming Rodinia . Between ~ 825 and 750 Ma Rodinia broke apart . However, before completely breaking up, some fragments of Rodinia had already come together to form Gondwana (also known as Gondwanaland) by ~ 608 Ma . Pangaea formed by ~ 336 Ma through the collision of Gondwana, Laurentia, Baltica, and Siberia . </P> <P> The second model (Protopangea - Paleopangea) is based on both palaeomagnetic and geological evidence and proposes that the continental crust comprised a single supercontinent from ~ 2.72 Ga until break - up during the Ediacaran Period after ~ 0.573 Ga . The reconstruction is derived from the observation that palaeomagnetic poles converge to quasi-static positions for long intervals between ~ 2.72--2.115, 1.35--1.13, and 0.75--0.573 Ga with only small peripheral modifications to the reconstruction . During the intervening periods, the poles conform to a unified apparent polar wander path . Because this model shows that exceptional demands on the paleomagnetic data are satisfied by prolonged quasi-integrity, it must be regarded as superseding the first model proposing multiple diverse continents, although the first phase (Protopangea) essentially incorporates Vaalbara and Kenorland of the first model . The explanation for the prolonged duration of the Protopangea - Paleopangea supercontinent appears to be that Lid Tectonics (comparable to the tectonics operating on Mars and Venus) prevailed during Precambrian times . Plate Tectonics as seen on the contemporary Earth became dominant only during the latter part of geological times . </P> <P> The Phanerozoic supercontinent Pangaea began to break up 215 Ma and is still doing so today . Because Pangaea is the most recent of Earth's supercontinents, it is the most well known and understood . Contributing to Pangaea's popularity in the classroom is the fact that its reconstruction is almost as simple as fitting the present continents bordering the Atlantic - type oceans like puzzle pieces . </P> <P> A supercontinent cycle is the break - up of one supercontinent and the development of another, which takes place on a global scale . Supercontinent cycles are not the same as the Wilson cycle, which is the opening and closing of an individual oceanic basin . The Wilson cycle rarely synchronizes with the timing of a supercontinent cycle . However, supercontinent cycles and Wilson cycles were both involved in the creation of Pangaea and Rodinia . </P>

The last super continent that broke apart to form today 's landmasses is known by what name