Continental drift wagners theory was called continental drift. Alfred wegener, german meteorologist and geophysicist who formulated the first complete statement of the continental drift hypothesis. The origin of continents and oceans dover earth science. It explains plate tectonics as the driving force behind ongoing changes on earth. The reaction to alfred wegeners theory tells us much about the workings of science. Jul 11, 2014 last month i gave a public lecture entitled, when maine was california, to an audience in a small town in maine. Get an answer for what were the two choices wegener saw concerning climate zones of the past.
The theory of plate tectonics key concepts what is the theory of plate tectonics. This book has helped me understand where wagner was coming from and the scientists and processes that inspired his ideas. What are the strengths and weaknesses of continental drift theory. Specific contributions to plate tectonic theory continental drift one could say that alfred wegener is the father of plate tectonic theory. What arguments were used against wegeners theory of. Print alfred wegener s theory of continental drift worksheet 1. His evidence was continents could fit together in a mass like a puzzle, fossils of organisms where found. Difference between continental drift and plate tectonics. In the 1960s, scientists discovered the plate edges through magnetic surveys of the. Wegener proposed that the continents plowed through crust of ocean basins, which would explain why the outlines of many coastlines like south america and africa look like they fit together like a puzzle.
Apr 02, 2020 the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics are amazing. It was only in the early 1950s with the emergence of the new science of paleomagnetism that alfred wegeners controversial theory of continental drift began to be taken anything like seriously by mainstream geologists and other scientists culminating in an acceptance by mainstream science of a revised theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s. The theory of plate tectonics explains the relative movement of crustal plates that are juxtaposed with each other to form an interlocking pattern of plate boundaries, oceanic trenches, mountain ranges, etc. New oceanic crust is formed through magma rising through the gap and cooling. What supported wagners theory of continental drift answers. Alfred wegeners theory of continental drift upsc ias evidence and rejection of the theory during the second and third decades of the twentieth century, the notion of continental drift was revived, most notably by the german meteorologist and geophysicist alfred wegener. We were only able to map the tectonic plates in the second half of 20 th century. Tuzo wilson brought together many previous ideas into the global theory that we now call plate tectonics the. Wegener noticed that the east coast of south america lined up almost perfectly with the west coast of africa. All this evidence, both from the ocean floor and from the continental margins, made it clear around 1965 that continental drift was feasible and the theory of plate tectonics, which was defined in a series of papers between 1965 and 1967, was born, with all its extraordinary explanatory and predictive power. Alfred wegener was born in berlin on 1 november 1880 as the youngest of five children in a clergymans family. Velocity of the north american plate relative to the paci.
Aug 21, 2014 also, fossil evidence helped solidify the theory of plate tectonics as fossils of a certain species are seen in two distant parts of the globe, or the fact that marine fossils are found in areas that are nowhere near a body of water. It is important to know that the following specific fossil evidence was not brought up by wegener to support his theory. The story on the discovery of the mid ocean ridges starts with fritz haber, a prominent german chemist nobel prize in chemistry in 1918. We now know that, directly or indirectly, plate tectonics influences nearly. Get an answer for why didnt other scientists believe alfred wegener about the continental drift.
The concept was independently developed by german geologist alfred wegener in 1912. The theory of plate tectonics explains all this, including the movement of the continents, better than wegeners theory. As plates move, the new crust gradually moves away from the ridge. Seafloor spreading occurs at divergent plate boundaries which subsequently create midocean ridges. Alfred wegener biography plate tectonics continental drift.
It drew parallels between california, today, and maine, 400 million years ago, when similar geologic processes were occurring. Map courtesy discovering plate boundaries, rice university because of this abuse,wegener could not get a professorship at any german university. I teach high school earth science and wagner s theory of continental drift is a big part of the plate tectonics unit every year. What supported wagner s theory of continental drift. However, the concept of sea floor spreading has not been very clear. In 1967, mckenzie and parker suggested the theory of plate tectonics. Contractional theory, continental drift and plate tectonics. Earthquakes and volcanoes exam one flashcards quizlet. What evidence is there of the continental drift theory. What were the two choices wegener saw concerning climate. Mar 12, 2019 alfred wegeners theory of continental drift upsc ias evidence and rejection of the theory during the second and third decades of the twentieth century, the notion of continental drift was revived, most notably by the german meteorologist and geophysicist alfred wegener. Plate tectonics expains wagner s idea of continental drift also, it explains the movement, subduction, and creation of earths crust. The earliest references to this similarity were made in 1596 by flemish cartographer abraham ortelius and later in 1620 by the english philosopher francis bacon, in his.
It was the study of plate tectonics that gave us the most accurate insight into the existence of a supercontinent. Asked in drifting, geophysics, plate tectonics what was the main counter argument against. Explain how earthquakes are detected and located using triangulation. According to the theory of plate tectonics, the earths lithosphere is broken into distinct plates which are. Wegener supported his argument with five lines of evidence. A handful promoted the notion that the continents had moved continental drift, but they were accused by the majority of indulging in pseudoscientific fantasy. The continental drift theory was replaced by the theory of plate tectonics. What evidence did alfred wegener use to support his theory of. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of the earth how did the theory develop. Continental drift theory no need to take notes i have taken them for you 2. In the 1960s, scientists discovered the plate edges through magnetic surveys of the ocean floor and through the seismic listening networks built to monitor nuclear testing, according to encyclopedia britannica. The theory of plate tectonics geology lumen learning.
The outlines of the continents flanking the atlantic ocean are so similar that their correspondence was apparent as soon as accurate maps became available. Why didnt other scientists believe alfred wegener about 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. Eventually, however, scientists made more observations, assembling the modern theory of plate tectonics.
Jan 07, 2007 before the 1960s, most geologists were adamant that the continents were stationary. Wegeners continental drift meets wilsons plate tectonics. By definition, the word plate in geologic terms means a large slab of solid rock. Plate tectonics, theory dealing with the dynamics of earths outer shell that revolutionized earth sciences by providing a uniform context for understanding mountainbuilding processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes as well as the evolution of earths surface. Asked in earth sciences, geophysics, plate tectonics. The theory of plate tectonics describes how the plates move, interact, and change the physical landscape. Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. 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 neoproterozoic transition from single lid to plate tectonics also explains kimberlite ages, the neoproterozoic climate crisis and the neoproterozoic acceleration of evolution. Why was alfred wegeners continental drift theory rejected. Plate tectonics is now the widely accepted theory that earths crust is fractured into rigid, moving plates. He suggested that germany could ease its debths after wwi by extracting gold from sea water theoretically up to 56 mg of gold can be extracted from 1 m3 of sea water. Notes on plate tectonics plate tectonics states that the earths crust and upper mantle are broken into sections, called plates.
Alfred wagner whose theory is that earth started with a super continent. Wegener died in 1930 of a heart attack caused by overexertion while leading his third expedition in greenland. Why was alfred wegener s continental drift theory rejected. While its forerunnerthe theory of continental drifthad its inception as early as the late 16th century, plate tectonics only emerged and matured as a widely accepted theory since the 1960s see this dynamic earth booklet. Why was wagners theory of continental drift ditched. The above map shows an idealized schematic of the boundaries of the continental plates. What are the strengths and weaknesses of continental drift. For nearly half a century, from the 1920s to the 1960s, most scientists paid little attention to the idea of continental drift. This plate motion causes them to collide, pull apart, or scrape against each other. I have been teaching it here in kenya for six years and the students have appreciated the contributions made by wegener, plato and socrates, among others, in trying to understand the movements of the earth. Earths lithosphere is broken into separate sections called plates. There are various examples of fossils found on separate continents and in no other regions. By the end of the pdf, you should be able to describe the theory of continental drift, and explain how it is similar and different from the theory of plate tectonics. Continental drift is a theory first presented by abraham ortelius abraham ortels in 1596.
What supported wagners theory of continental drift. The plate tectonics gizmo shows a crosssection, or side view, of earth. Alfred wegener and plate tectonics indiana university. Dec 14, 2011 i teach high school earth science and wagner s theory of continental drift is a big part of the plate tectonics unit every year. Dec 19, 2017 plate tectonics is now the widely accepted theory that earth s crust is fractured into rigid, moving plates. 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. Afterward, a member of the audience asked me what geology had to say about global warming. Then new evidence about earths structure led scientists to reconsider wegeners bold theory. Plate tectonic theory had its beginnings in 1915 when alfred wegener proposed his theory of continental drift. 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. Each type of interaction causes a characteristic set of earth structures or tectonic features. The diagram below shows a transform plate boundary as a black line, if the top of the page is north, and the plate that the golfer is standing on is moving towards the northeast, which direction is the plate with the tree on it moving towards. Plate tectonics development of tectonic theory britannica.
Close examination of a globe often results in the observation that most of the continents seem to fit together like a puzzle. Fossils certain fossils preserved in rocks of the same age but from different continents. What fossils did wegener not use to support his idea of continental drift. The reaction to alfred wegener s theory tells us much about the workings of science. 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. Through the theory of continental drift, humans have been able to figure out how the earths crust moves and the causes of volcanoes, earthquakes, oceanic trenches, formation of mountain ranges and other geological occurrences. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that attempts to explain the movements of the earths lithosphere that have formed the landscape features we see across the globe today. Mesosaurus small fresh water reptile glossopteris plant remains. Compare and contrast the different types of fault lines and relate them to the plate boundary they are likely to occur at.
The earth surface has continuously been changing ever since it was formed, especially regarding the geomorphological and geological phenomena. Students can further explore plate tectonics by visiting plates on the move. This module describes how the work of alfred wegener, harry hess, and others led to our understanding of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics, our major paradigm for how the earth works, was established in the 1960ies following decades of observational research that culminated in key discoveries such as geomagnetic. Scientist will describe wagner s theory on continental drift and histroical evidence that supports his theory tuesday january 10 scientist will describe plate tectonics and the three types of plate boundaries. Identify alfred wegener and explain his theory of continental drift describe the evidence for wegener s theory and how it was proven after his death to unlock this lesson you must be a. The theory of plate tectonics explains all this, including the movement of the continents, better than wegener s theory. Chapter 1 from continental drift to plate tectonics naomi oreskes since the l6th century, cartographers have noticed the jigsawpuzzle fit of the continental edges. This indicates that these continents had to be once joined together because the extensive oceans between these land masses act as a type of barrier for fossil. Plates are composed of the crust and a part of the upper mantle, these two parts together are called the lithosphere. You should also be able to identify several pieces of evidence that support the theory of plate tectonics and continental drift.
The theory of continental drift was the first step toward plate tectonic theory, which became the foundation upon which modern geology is built. Wagner s work was thankfully not in vain as new scientific approaches and technologies made it feasible to. We are taught that modern scientists are driven only by reason and facts. Plate tectonics continental drift and mountain building. The structure of the earth, plate tectonics and landforms. In the early 1960s, the emergence of the theoryof plate tectonicsstarted a revolution in the earth sciences. Sep 06, 2012 breaking new ground the rise of plate tectonics. Alfred wegeners theory of continental drift and evidence. Jun 20, 20 continental drift and plate tectonics theory part 1a introduction.
Like the scientists before us, we will now merge the ideas of continental drift and seafloor spreading into the theory of plate tectonics. The hyde park central school district is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. Theory of plate tectonics advances in technology in the 1960s led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics which validated but improved upon wegeners earlier theory of continental drift. Compare and contrast the different types of plate boundaries. Marvin herndon transdyne corporation san diego, california 921 usa september 30, 2005 abstract textbooks frequently extol plate tectonics theory without questioning what might be wrong with the theory or without discussing a competitive theory. In 1912, alfred wegener proposed a theory that the continents had once been joined, and over time had drifted apart. The theory of plate tectonics tek tahn iks states that pieces of earths lithosphere are in slow, const ant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle. Then, the meteorologists found patterns in the tectonic plates of india and the southern hemisphere, which proved the theory. Today, that opinion has reversedplate tectonics, incorporating continental drift, is the ruling. It has been in this state since its beginning, some 4. The theory of plate tectonics is a relatively new scientific concept. Plate tectonics plate tectonics development of tectonic theory. It held that processes such as geologic forces gradual and catastrophicoccurring in the.
Describe how world war ii helped develop the theory of plate tectonics. Plate tectonics it was from the continental drift theory, convection current theory and the theory of seafloor spreading, the theory of plate tectonics was formulated. Plate tectonic theory a brief history of plate tectonic. Continental driftpangaea theory explained with pangea map. Plate tectonics is the latest invention and research of science, it is no longer a mere theory but a sciencebased phenomenon, which is responsible for earthquake caused by earth. The layer below the lithosphere is the asthenosphere.
At plate boundaries, plates collide, move apart, move under or over each other, or slide past one another. May 15, 2019 alfred wegener november 1, 1880november 1930 was a german meteorologist and geophysicist who developed the first theory of continental drift and formulated the idea that a supercontinent known as pangaea existed on the earth millions of years ago. Wegeners continental drift meets wilsons plate tectonics how wegeners continental drift evidence matches up with evidence for plate tectonics it was in the late 1960s that j. The theory of plate tectonics explains the formation, movement, and subduction of earths plates. Alfred wegener collected diverse pieces of evidence to support his theory, including geological fit and fossil evidence. The earths crust is divided into plates which are moved in various directions. Alfred wegener was a famous scientist that came up with the theory of continental drift.
Wegeners puzzling continents key analysis questions. The beginning of the continental drift theory in the middle of the eighteenth century, james hutton proposed a theory, uniformitarianism. But through wegeners persistence, perseverance, and openmindedness to the contributions of others, the theory of continental drift evolved into the widely accepted theory today of plate tectonics. Alfred wegener s contemporaries rejected his theory of continental drift because it challenged many established scientific theories at the time, and he lacked a compelling explanation for the cause of continental drift. When the concept of seafloor spreading came along, scientists recognized that it was the mechanism to explain how continents could move around earths surface. Write a one paragraph statement to summarize your work. Wagner theorized, through a comparison of paleozoic fossils and rocks, the continents we.
Alfred wegener was born in berlin on 1 november 1880 as the youngest of five children in a clergyman s family. Plate tectonics the earths crust is divided into plates which are moved in various directions. His father, richard wegener, was a theologian and teacher of classical languages at the berlinisches gymnasium zum grauen kloster. Hans stille and leopold kober opposed the idea of continental drift and worked on a fixist geosyncline model with earth contraction playing a key role in. Plate tectonics, theory dealing with the dynamics of earths outer shellthe lithospherethat revolutionized earth sciences by providing a uniform context for understanding mountainbuilding processes, volcanoes, and earthquakes as well as the evolution of earths surface and reconstructing its past continents and oceans. According to national geographic, sea floor spreading and plate tectonics indicate that the continents do move or shift, which supports continental drift theory. Hans stille and leopold kober opposed the idea of continental drift and worked on a fixist geosyncline model with earth contraction playing a key role in the formation of orogens. The combined effects of the gravitational forces on the.