Section 3: Drifting Continents What is the Theory of Continental Drift? What evidence supports the Theory of Continental Drift?

The Theory of Continental Drift is that all the continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have since drifted apart. The Theory of Continental Drift

The name of this supercontinent is Pangaea.

Alfred Wegener A German scientist – a meteorologist In 1915, he published a book called, The Origin of Continents and Oceans. He died in 1930.

Evidence for Continental Drift There are Three Types of Evidence.  Evidence from Land Features.  Evidence from Fossils  Evidence from Climate Zones

Evidence from Land Features Matching mountain ranges in South America and Africa. Coal beds matched in North America and Europe. Coal Beds Mountain Ranges

The continents look like puzzle pieces that fit together. Evidence from Land Features Continental Shape

Evidence of Continental Drift From Land Features Wegener stated that this gave proof that all the continents were once joined together in one single landmass, called Pangaea.

Evidence from Fossils Glossopteris fossils A fernlike plant, have been found in rocks in Africa, South America, Australia, India, and Antarctica.

Evidence from Fossils Mesosaurus and Lystrosaurus Freshwater reptiles, have been found in places now separated by oceans. Neither reptile could have swam great distances across salt water.

Evidence of Continental Drift From Fossils Wegener stated that the seeds and reptiles could not have traveled these far distances, so this is further proof of Continental Drift.

Evidence from Climate Zones Deep scratches from Glaciers were found in rocks in South Africa. Glacier Glacial Scratches

Evidence from Climate Zones Fossils found of tropical plants on an island in the Arctic Ocean, Spitsbergen. Fossil of tropical plant

Evidence of Continental Drift From Climate Zones Wegener stated that this gave more proof that the continents have moved because areas that are now warm were once cold and cold are now warm.

Why did other scientists not accept Wegener’s ideas? Unfortunately, Wegener could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the force that pushes or pulls the continents. How did the continents move?