Alfred Wegener

Definition

Alfred Wegener was a German meteorologist and geophysicist best known for proposing the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century. He argued that continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern plate tectonic theory, providing crucial seismic evidence that supports the movement of Earth's plates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wegener's theory of continental drift was first introduced in his 1912 publication, 'The Origin of Continents and Oceans.'
2. He presented multiple lines of evidence for his theory, including geological, fossil, and climatic similarities across continents now separated by oceans.
3. Despite his groundbreaking ideas, Wegener faced significant skepticism and criticism from many contemporaries who favored static Earth models.
4. Wegener died in 1930 while on an expedition in Greenland, but his work was later validated with the development of plate tectonic theory in the 1960s.
5. Seismic evidence, such as the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along tectonic plate boundaries, supports Wegener's idea of continental movement.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Wegener's ideas contribute to the development of the theory of plate tectonics?
  • Alfred Wegener's proposal of continental drift was a pivotal moment in geology that laid the foundation for plate tectonic theory. His observations regarding the fit of continental coastlines and the presence of similar fossils on widely separated continents hinted at a dynamic Earth where continents could move over time. Although initially met with resistance, his ideas gained traction as more seismic evidence emerged, demonstrating the movement of tectonic plates that validated his original concepts.
• Evaluate the impact of Alfred Wegener’s hypothesis on modern geological science and how it has changed our understanding of Earth’s structure.
  • Alfred Wegener’s hypothesis fundamentally changed our understanding of Earth’s structure by introducing the concept that continents are not fixed but can move. This shift in thinking prompted further research into plate tectonics, leading to discoveries about oceanic ridges, subduction zones, and seafloor spreading. Today, Wegener’s work is recognized as crucial to our current model of Earth’s geology, emphasizing dynamic processes that shape our planet's surface over millions of years.
• Synthesize how Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory aligns with current seismic evidence regarding tectonic plate movements.
  • Alfred Wegener's continental drift theory aligns with current seismic evidence through observations of earthquake patterns and volcanic activity along tectonic plate boundaries. Today, geologists utilize advanced technology to study these boundaries, revealing that plates are continuously shifting due to mantle convection. This ongoing movement is consistent with Wegener's idea that continents were once part of a supercontinent and have since drifted apart, which is now corroborated by seismic data illustrating how these plates interact, collide, and separate.

Related terms

Continental Drift: The hypothesis that continents move across the Earth's surface over geological time, originally proposed by Wegener.

Pangaea: A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, when all major landmasses were joined together.

Plate Tectonics: The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.