The condition of the earth following the flood was much different from what it was prior to the flood. Some creationists believe that the cataclysmic events occurring at the time of the flood included the breakup of the single landmass of antediluvian times into the continents as we now know them. This theory is known as "catastrophic plate tectonics", and is basically a speeded up version of standard plate tectonics theory. The flood events would seem to provide a suitable, large-scale cause for the breakup. One of the main arguments for plate tectonics is that the existing continents seem to fit well when placed together. The main argument against plate tectonics is that we don't know what mechanism might make it work. The collision of the plates would lead to the formation of mountain ranges, probably much higher than those existing before the flood.

The removal of the protective vapor canopy above the earth would lead to the start of the hydrologic water cycle, the introduction of seasons, and climate differences between the equator and polar regions. The warmed ocean (friction from the plate movements) in conjunction with more barren land areas would lead to an ice age occurring. One result of all these changes is that some types of animals (including the dinosaurs and many others) would not have the genetic potential to adjust and became extinct.

Even the nature of the animals was now deemed to be different by God, as they were now ordained to have a fear of man and to eat meat (Gen 9:2-3).