The Theory of Continental Drift
Continental Drift Theory Proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912 250 million years ago, all of the continents were combined into one super-continent called “Pangaea” The continents gradually drifted apart to where they are today
Alfred Wegener (German Scientist) This picture was taken around 1925 (5 years before he died)
Evidence to Support the Theory
“Puzzle Pieces” Continents look like they could be part of a giant jigsaw puzzle
Distribution of Fossils Plant and animal fossils found on the coastlines of different continents
Ancient Climates Tropical plant remains (coal deposits) found in Antarctica Glaciation in Africa, South America, India, and Australia during the same time
Sequence of Rocks Same rock patterns found in South America, India, Africa, Antarctica and Australia
Problems With The Theory No mechanism for movement of continents Wind and currents could possibly move fossils Theory was not accepted by scientists
Review What is the theory of continental drift? Continents were once one “super continent” but they slowly drifted apart What 4 pieces of evidence did Wegner have to support this theory? Puzzle pieces Fossils Ancient climates Sequence of rocks