continental drift theory evidence

answer choices. This edition includes new data to support his theories, helping to refute the opponents of his controversial views. 64 illustrations. Before Alfred Wegener came along and proposed continental drift, the prevailing wisdom of how the Earth's topography was created was based on the hypothesis that the Earth had contracted from its original state as a molten blob. This evidence however was also used to support the Theory of Continental drift. Remarkably, he completed this pathbreaking work while grappling variously with financial difficulty, war, economic depression, scientific isolation, illness, and injury. The idea of a large-scale displacement of continents has a long history. Which evidence did Wegener make use of to develop the theory of continental drift? Want to see the step-by-step answer? Found inside – Page 1Approximately 200 years of the history of the development of the study of geology. Nevertheless, after decades of rejection, scientists came to accept each theory. The stories behind these four discoveries reflect more than the fascinating push and pull of scientific work. Continental drift was a revolutionary scientific theory developed in the years 1908-1912 by Alfred Wegener (1880-1930), a German meteorologist, climatologist, and geophysicist, that put forth the hypothesis that the continents had all originally been a part of one enormous landmass or supercontinent about 240 million years ago before breaking apart and drifting to their current locations. Another important piece of evidence in the Continental Drift theory is the fossil relevance. 5 Pieces of Evidence for the Theory of the Continental Drift 1. In May 1931, Kurt Wegener discovered his brother’s grave. For one, identical rocks of the same type and age are found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Reaching as tall as 30 meters, the Glossopteris emerged during the early Permian period (299 million years ago) and became the dominant land plant species until the end of the Permian. On May 12, 1931, they found Wegener’s body. Wegener's supporting facts include fossil evidence, land features, climate evidence, and sea floor spreading. b.Use those same colors to color each type of fossil or mountain belt according to your legend. What is the fastest moving tectonic plate? It experienced the formation of atmosphere, encountered meteor showers, volcanic breaks, and earthquakes. Alfred Wegener suggested continental Drift Theory in the 1920's. According to Continental Drift Theory there existed one big landmass which he called Pangaea which was covered by one big ocean called Panthalassa. CONTINENTAL DRIFT THEORY Continental drift is the hypothesis that all the continents had once been joined together in a single landmass. Contracting Earth theory (early 20th century) . Fit of Continents. Continental drift theory. There are various examples of fossils found on separate continents and in no other regions. One indication of this possibility is the appearance of the western African and eastern South American coasts, which look like two interlocking jigsaw puzzle pieces. Found insideThe book focuses on the structure, composition, and characteristics of the earth's crust. Illustration showing similar rock assemblages across different continents. In that sense, many authors suggest that Alfred Wegener's theory of the original supercontinent Pangea and the subsequent continental displacements finally reached a consensus when irrefutable evidence . Now, the Glossopteris seed is known to be large and bulky and therefore could not have drifted or flown across the oceans to a separate continent. The extensive study of the ocean floor spreading resulted in the emergence of new insight to the continental drift theory. The evidence for continental drift included the fit of the continents; the distribution of ancient fossils, rocks, and mountain ranges; and the locations of ancient climatic zones. Learn about sea life, insects, animals, plants, rocks, and more! This book will be sure to capture the attention of young readers and educate them in the process! The Lystrosaurus, which translates to “shovel reptile,” is thought to have been an herbivore with a stout build like a pig. Moreover, swimming as a possibility is foolish due to the lack of formidable swimming capabilities to travel across such an extensive body of water like the Atlantic. The evidence which gave rise to the theory of continental drift -- more correctly called plate tectonics -- includes the following: The coasts of the continents surrounding the Atlantic ocean could, if the continents were moved closer, fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Slope 2000 m (best) Work done by. The actual connection between the continental fit (the idea that continents fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle) was first proposed in 1858 by Antonio Snider-Pellegrini (1802-1885), Other scientists mentioned this idea for years afterward, but it was not until 1912 that German meteorologist and geologist Alfred Wegener (1880-1930) expanded the theory, suggesting that the continents . The continental drift theory came to fruition in 1912 by a man named Alfred Wegener, who was a geophysicist and meteorologist. The possibility of continental drift gradually became accepted by the late 1950s; by the 1960s, geological research conducted by Robert S. Dietz, Bruce Heezen, and Harry Hess, along with a revision of the theory including a mechanism by J. Tuzo Wilson, led to widespread acceptance of the theory among geologists. Set forth in 1912 by Alfred Wegener, a geophysicist and meteorologist, continental drift also explained why look-alike animal and plant fossils, and similar rock formations, are found on different continents and why many of the continents appear to fit together like puzzle pieces into one super . Theory and Evidence of Continental Drift. One piece of evidence Wegener provided was paleoclimatic indicators that linked South America and Africa (Plate Tectonics: Continental Drift). Molten material. Set forth in 1912 by Alfred Wegener, a geophysicist and meteorologist, continental drift also explained why look-alike animal and plant fossils, and similar rock formations, are found on different continents. However, beginning in the 1950s, a wealth of new evidence emerged to revive the debate about Wegener's provocative ideas and their . Mesosaurus - small fresh water reptile Glossopteris - plant remains Possibly the most important fossil evidence found is the plant, Glossopteris. The general principles of plate tectonic theory may be stated as follows. What were the 5 pieces of evidence that Wegener used to support his continental drift theory? Want to see this answer and more? Now if the continents were in still their present positions, there is no possibility that the Mesosaurus would have the capability to swim across such a large body of ocean as the Atlantic because it was a coastal animal. The continental drift theory was proposed on the basis of the following evidence: Fossil Evidence: Ancient fossils of the same species of extinct plants and animals are discovered in rocks of the same age but are on continents that are now far apart. Abraham Ortelius was the first geographer who proposed this phenomenon in 1596. Instructor: Kevin Newton Show bio. Twenty years ago geologists were certain that the data correlated perfectly with the then-reigning model of stationary continents. Wegener himself did not collect the fossils but he called attention to the idea of using these scientific doc   uments stating there were fossils of species present in separate continents in order to support his claim. Color the legend on the puzzle pieces handout according to the key. Evidence for continental drift. Deformation occurs at the edges of the . His formal and well-supported introduction to the theory informed and split geoscientists into two opposing groups that would engage in a fifty year debate; drifters vs. fixists. We will now review the evidence that led Wegener to propose. Another important piece of evidence in the Continental Drift theory is the fossil relevance. Plate Tectonics. He and other expedition members built a pyramid-shaped mausoleum in the ice and snow, and Alfred Wegener’s body was laid to rest in it. What is Pangaea? This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. The continental drift theory was undeniably convincing. Wegener cited that the organisms had lived side-by-side . The Glossopteris fossil is found in Australia, Antarctica, India, South Africa, and South America—all the southern continents. Give four proofs that support the theory of continental drift., KCSE Geography Past Paper 2019 Paper 1 Qn 3. Continental drift was a theory that explained how continents shift position on Earth's surface. Geology of rock formations and mountain ranges on separate continents were also suggested by Wenger as evidence of continental drift. Of course, possible explanations are brought to attention. It also explains why certain animal and plant fossils and similar rock formations . The continental drift hypothesis was developed in the early 20th century, by Alfred Wegener, who said that continents moved on the Earth's surface until they came together as a single super continent.Continental drift is a theory that explains how continents manage to change position on the Earth's surface. The mausoleum has now, with the passing of time, been buried under Greenland’s ice. Description showing the  fossil locations of the Mesosaurus, Cynognathus, Lystrosaurus, and Glossopteris spread across different continents. This book discusses the birth of the Earth, the geology of the Earth, mapping the land, climates of the world, industry, the nations of the world, and more. All the material that he received for this book was from the famous expeditions he took on the Beagle during the 1830s. This is the story of that voyage. However typical plate movements are less quick, at rates about 2-3 cm/yr. Press ESC to cancel. Continental drift is a phenomenon which explains how the earth's continents move on the surface of the ocean bed. A biography of the man who created the theory of continental drift. Apparently he died while lying in his tent. Fossil Evidence One type of evidence that strongly supported the Theory of Continental Drift is the fossil record. His hypothesis proposed that the continents had once been joined, and over time had drifted apart. Continental drift was a theory that explained how continents shift position on Earth's surface. Criticism of Continental Drift Theory - explain that the greatest criticism of this theory was due to the controversial forces which were stated to have caused the drift. Evidence As a land dominant species, the Cynognathus would not have been capable of migrating across the Atlantic. The Earth is broken into lithospheric plates that move due to convection currents. One is quite simple -- that the continents look like they could "fit" together, much like puzzle pieces that have drifted apart. …. Lack of mechanism for continental drift. Reviews geological evidence supporting the theory that the earth's crust is composed of moving rigid plates Alfred Wegener gave many facts that help prove his Continental Drift theory. Examples include: the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America linked with the Scottish Highlands, the familiar rock strata of the Karroo system of South Africa matched correctly with the Santa Catarina system in Brazil, and the Brazil and Ghana mountain ranges agreeing over the Atlantic Ocean. As molten rock rises from the Earth, it forms new crust between the plates. This group of people were the first to recognize that the continents "fit together like puzzle pieces." Key terms, Horacio J. Harrington, and Glossopteris that help prove his continental was... 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