Alfred was trying to get his girlfriends father to like him. In his book the origin of continents and oceans, wegener foretold plate tectonics and provided an explanation for continental drift. Alfred wegeners fossil evidence for continental drift is shown on the cutouts. Alfred lothar wegener nov, 1, 1880 1930 was a german polar researcher, geophysicist and meteorologist. Despite this, the book is received as both influential and controversial even today, due to the opposition divided amongst geologists regarding his geographic theories. Identify alfred wegener and explain his theory of continental drift describe the evidence for wegeners theory and how it was proven after his death to unlock this lesson you must be a. Dec 19, 2017 but geologists soundly denounced wegeners theory of continental drift after he published the details in a 1915 book called the origin of continents and oceans. Theory of continental drift powerpoint ppt presentation. In 1912 the meteorologist alfred wegener independently developed what he called continental drift, expanded in his 1915 book the origin of continents and oceans. Tuzo wilson, plate tectonics is the currently accepted theory that integrates the theory of continental drift and explains that all landmasses were once joined together and formed a supercontinent known as pangaea. He suggested that the continents plowed across the ocean floors.
The continental drift theory essay by customessaymeister. Plate tectonics was orii lliginally call dlled the theory of ci lcontinental drift originated by alfred wegener. Theory of continental drift 1 theory of continental drift. The theory of continental drift school the theory of continental drift all continents are not stationary but are actually moving and drifting from one another according to wegener 1999, p. Evidence to support the theory evidence of landforms mountain ranges in south africa line up with mountain ranges in argentina 1. Ppt continental drift theory powerpoint presentation. And plate tectonics supplies a mechanics for moving the continents involving convection in the earth s mantle, something that was conspicuously missing from continental drift. Alfred wegeners evidence of continental drift theory youtube. Wegener thought continental drift was the key to these climatic puzzles, so he and vladimir koppen plotted ancient deserts, jungles, and ice sheets on paleogeographic maps based on wegener s theory. Shaping modern plate tectonic by wegeners continental drift hypothesis.
Alfred wegener, german meteorologist and geophysicist who formulated the first complete statement of the continental drift hypothesis. Explain how scientists know about the earths interior without viewing it. The origin of continents and oceans dover earth science kindle edition by wegener, alfred. Cut out each of the continents along the edge of the continental shelf the outermost dark line. Alfred wegener proposed the theory of continental drift the idea that the earth s continents move over hundreds of millions of years of geologic time long before the idea was commonly accepted. He published his observations in a geological comparison of south america with south africa1927, and later he developed his ideas in our wandering continents1937. Now show what you have learned so far about continental drift by answering these four questions. The theory of continental drift continental drift discovery the world alfred wegener theory of continental drift found evidence for pangaea and proposed the theory of continental drift. Wegener 18801930 continental drift was wegeners theory that all continents had once been joined together in a single landmass and have drifted apart since. Describe three 3 ways that wegeners continental drift hypothesis has helped to shape modern plate tectonic theory, and then explain why his hypothesis was not widely accepted by his peers when first proposed. Jul 24, 2019 continental drift was a revolutionary scientific theory developed in the years 19081912 by alfred wegener 18801930, 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.
While wegeners continental drift theory was initially rejected, the theory has been widely accepted today due to the emergence of strong evidence, most important of which is the development of plate tectonics theory. Plate tectonics represents a total shift of scientific paradigm. Lt11 describe the properties and composition of the major layers of the earth crust, mantle, and core. Freelooks like a great intro activity for continental drift theory this is a simple lesson, with a powerful understanding of alfred wegeners idea of continental drift. Drifting continents and shifting theories this innovative book uses. Nov 29, 2012 a brief introduction to alfred wegener s theory of continental drift, which would lay the groundwork for the development of plate tectonic theory, which essentially explains the geology of the earth. He presented some evidence to support his arguments, which included the fit of the continents. Theory of continental drift essay example topics and. Wegener proposed a mechanism for continental drift. Wegener developed a much simpler hypothesis that stated perhaps the continents were all together at one point, thereby also explaining the fit of the coastline.
This book has helped me understand where wagner was coming from and the scientists and processes that inspired his ideas. Continental drift theory no need to take notes i have taken them for you alfred wegener vegener as a young scientist, wegener was curious about earth s continents. Wegener s theory contained features, such as the notion that the average elevation of the continents would increase over time, that simply arent true. Alfred wegener biography, facts and pictures famous scientists. Small pieces of crust terranes are important in building up. Alfred wegeners theory of continental drift became modern. And now its broken up into our current day geography. The theory of continental drift wegener 1880 1930 alfred wegener first proposed the theory of continental drift. This is a simple lesson, with a powerful understanding of alfred wegeners idea of continental drift. His theory was rejected by most geologists during his lifetime but was resurrected and made a central feature of modern geology as part of the theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s. A free powerpoint ppt presentation displayed as a flash slide show on id. The theory of continental drift was not accepted for many years. If there had been a guinness book of world records in 1906, the wegener.
Wegener attempted to explain how continental drift took place. Wegener first presented his theory of continental drift publicly in a lecture on january 6, 1912. In this video we will learn how alfred wegener proposed a theory in 1912. Alfred wegener theory of continental drift 863195 ppt presentation summary. Wegener also made major contributions to geology, geophysics, astronomy, geodesy, atmospheric physics, meteorology, and glaciology. When continental drift was considered pseudoscience more than 100 years ago, a german scientist was ridiculed for advancing the shocking idea that the continents were adrift. That is how continental drift theorynot wegeners term is supported by wegeners observationsamongst other points.
Alfred wegeners continental drift theory has five evidences which have been explained in this video. This video shows wegeners evidence and explains the difficulty he had getting his ideas across to geologistsscientists who study the history and structure of earth. Continental drift, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics. Wegener said that continents move around on earths surface and that they were once joined together as a single supercontinent.
Wegener and the continental drift hypothesis geology. Choose from 483 different sets of continental drift theory wegener flashcards on quizlet. I teach high school earth science and wagners theory of continental drift is a big part of the plate tectonics unit every year. Wegeners book is considered a huge contribution to the acceptance of the theory of plate tectonics. Alfred wegener proposed the theory of continental drift the idea that earths. Continental drift theory no need to take notes i have taken them for you 2. Justify with evidence that continental drift occurs. The theory of continental drift is defined as the movement of the earths continents relative to each other, thereby appearing to drift together across the oceanic bed. Continental drift theory essay example topics and well. Wegners continental drift theory karnataka pcs free notes. Oct 30, 2015 the author of the theory of continental drift.
Alfred wegeners continental drift theory graphic organizer. In the early 20th century, wegener published a paper explaining his theory that the continental landmasses were drifting across the earth, sometimes plowing through oceans and. His theory was rejected by most geologists during his lifetime but was resurrected and made a central feature of modern geology as part of the theory of plate tectonics in. Alfred wegener, pangea, and the evidence for continental. Fossils and geologic evidence show that most of the continents used to have startlingly different climates than they do today. Although alfred wegener was able to produce a viable hypothesis with evidence and specifically state the theory, it should be. He presented his continental drift hypothesis on 6 january 1912. Alfred wegeners theory of continental drift became mdm. It later separated into smaller land masses that drifted through the earths crust and continue to do so. The origin of continents and oceans dover earth science. Learn continental drift theory wegener with free interactive flashcards. In 1912, alfred wegener proposed a theory that the continents had once been joined, and over time had drifted apart.
A large supercontinent pangea split into smaller fragments about. Alfred wegeners evidence of continental drift theory. However, wegeners theory of continental drift, which was published in 1915 and is regarded by many as the direct precursor of modern plate tectonics, contributed astonishingly little to the understanding of mountain building processes. The theory of continental drift continental drift discovery the world alfred wegener theory of continental drift continental drift p95 red book, 182 in sciencesaurus theory that continents were once part of a single landmass that broke apart and have moved to their present locations. The theory has caused a revolution in the way we think about the earth.
Shaping modern plate tectonic by wegeners continental. Tectonics alfred wegener 18801930 german scientist introduced the theory of continental drift in his book the origin of the. Plate tectonics continental drift evidence for continental drift a. While wegener was alive, scientists did not believe that the continents could move. They then use the reading to complete a graphic organizer about his thinking. I understand that it was wegeners visits to a library and mental noting of the descriptions of several land fauna fossils indicated they were found on separate continents. Force responsible for the continent drift according to wegener after. How did mountain ranges support alfred wegeners theory of. Wegener and the continental drift hypothesis scientists still do not appear to understand sufficiently that all earth sciences must contribute evidence toward unveiling the state of our planet in earlier times, and that the truth of the matter can only be reached by combing all this evidence. Since the development of the theory, geologists have had to reexamine almost every aspect of. Now, i wont go into all of the detail why we believe that there was a pangaea about 250 million years ago or, this diagram tells us, about 225 million years ago, give or take. Unfortunately, wegener could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the force that pushes or pulls the continents. Continental drift and the more recent science of plate tectonics are now the.
When continental drift was considered pseudoscience science. The world alfred wegener theory of continental drift found evidence for pangaea and proposed the theory of continental drift. Wegeners hypothesis of continental drift also known as sea floor. Wegeners evidence, in concert with compelling evidence provided by post. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the origin of continents and oceans dover earth science. Wegeners continental drift theory pangaea, a single supercontinent, existed about 300 million years ago. Plate tectonics in 1912 the meteorologist alfred wegener. A second problem was that wegeners estimate of the speed of continental motion, 250 cmyear, was implausibly high. Continental drift, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics plate tectonics is a theory developed in the late 1960s, to explain how the outer layers of the earth move and deform. Continental drift theory and plate tectonic slideshare. Wegener s theory stated that the continents were once joined to form one big continentplate tectonic theory explained how the continents drifted to their positions today what is the name for the supercontinent in the continental drift hypothesis. There he argued for the separation of wegener s pangea into the two super continents, laurasia and gondwana.
There he argued for the separation of wegeners pangea into the two super continents, laurasia and gondwana. An ebook reader can be a software application for use on a computer such as microsofts free reader application, or a book sized computer. Continental drift p95 red book, 182 in sciencesaurus theory that continents were once part of a single landmass that broke apart and have moved to their. Alfred wegeners continental drift theory faced fierce resistance initially, partially because of his outsider status, and partially due to his ideas of how the continents fit together. Eighth graders study wegeners theory of continental drift. It is this german man to whom we credit with the proposal of the theory of continental drift. The reaction to alfred wegeners theory tells us much about the workings of science. In total there are 5 points that provides a strong evidence that the continental drift theory. Jan 25, 2017 alfred wegener s continental drift theory has five evidences which have been explained in this video. The reaction to alfred wegener s theory tells us much about the workings of science. The theory of continental drift this video wiill go over alfred wegners theory of continental drift, what he stated and the evidence he used to support his theory.
He is most remembered as the original theorist of the theory of continental drift by hypothesizing that the continents are slowly drifting around the earth. Wegener s main interest was meteorology, and he wanted to join the denmarkgreenland expedition scheduled for mid1912. Wegeners theory was rejected by scientists because he could not explain what force pushes or pulls continents. Contractional theory, continental drift and plate tectonics. Drift and plate tectonics the permian ice age problem wegener s theory confirmation of continental drift world war ii.
Alfred wegener s continental drift theory graphic organizer students read about alfred wegener and how his theory of continental drift article included was the basis for the plate tectonic theory. The theory of continental drift is most associated with the scientist alfred wegener. Contracting earth theory was not consistent with the facts. As weve studied this idea over the decades, however, it has come to be the accepted theory of why our land areas are in their current location. One problem was that a plausible driving force was missing. But geologists soundly denounced wegeners theory of continental drift after he published the details in a 1915 book called the origin of. Lithosphere plate tectonics chapter 9 flashcards quizlet. Subduction zones are where mountainbuilding orogeny occurs 6. Like most people, the jigsaw puzzle appearance of the atlantic continental. The world alfred wegener theory of continental drift continental drift p95 red book, 182 in sciencesaurus theory that continents were once part of a single landmass that broke apart and have moved to their present locations. But it was the americans who came down hardest against continental drift eontologl called it. The development of the theory is an excellent example of the application of the scientific method. The theory of continental drift was the first step toward plate tectonic theory, which became the foundation upon which modern geology is built. Continental drift and plate tectonics science with mrs.
He wrote the origin of continents and oceans dealing with the theory in 1915. The comment also ignored the vast timescale over which continental drift has occurred, effectively the total age of the earth of about 4. Alfred wegeners continental drift theory graphic organizer students read about alfred wegener and how his theory of continental drift article included was the basis for the plate tectonic theory. In 1943 george gaylord simpson wrote a vehement attack on the theory as well as the rival theory of sunken land bridges and put forward his own permanentist views. In this earth science lesson plan, 8th graders will watch a powerpoint and fill in answers to questions on their computers using the inspiration program over wegener and. And the last time we had a supercontinent was pangaea, about 250 million years ago. In the early 20th century, wegener published a paper explaining his theory that the continental landmasses were drifting across the earth, sometimes plowing through oceans and into each other. Yet up to the recent twentieth century, the continents and ocean basins were considered fixed and permanent features of the earths surface and when the understanding of moving continents were first proposed by a german meteorologist alfred wegener as continental drift, it was met with ridicule from the scientific community of the time. While pondering the similarities between the coastlines of south america and africa, wegener came up with an idea.
Continental drift 100 greatest discoveries groundbreaking research by alfred wegener reveals the phenomenon of continental drift. Pangea this animated documentary tells the story of polar explorer alfred wegener, the unlikely scientist behind continental drift theory. Continental drift was a revolutionary scientific theory developed in the years 19081912 by alfred wegener 18801930, 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. He analyzed both sides of the atlantic ocean for rock type, geological structures and fossils. The book was revised in 1920, 1922 and 1929 in response to criticisms of the theory and advances in earth sciences. The development of the theory is an excellent example of the application of the. A brief introduction to alfred wegeners theory of continental drift, which would lay the groundwork for the development of plate tectonic theory, which essentially explains the geology of the earth. Jul 05, 20 alfred wegener s theory of continental drift lesson. Most earthquakes and volcanoes occur along plate boundaries 3. Alfred wegner was a german meteorologist in the early 1900s who studied ancient climates.
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