2. Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016

3. Theory of Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift Theory - Plate Tectonics - Plate Boundaries/Margins - Plate Tectonics Mechanics Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016

4. Continental Drift Theory Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016 Pangea: - -A single landmass - -Greek for ‘All Earth” - -Occurred around 250 million years ago - -Mostly in the Southern Hemisphere - -One large connected ocean surrounding Pangea - - supercontinent

5. Continental Drift Theory Puzzle Pieces: - The distinct shape and ‘puzzle’ fit between South America and Africa. Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016 Alfred Wegener (1880-1930): - -German meteorologist - -PhD in Astronomy - -Exhibitions to Greenland and various university professor positions allowed Wegener to explore science disciplines such as air quality, ocean patterns and astronomy. - -Wegener was inspired by a journal he found stating fossil records of a species located in both South America and Africa. This discovery led him to produce his theory and search for more compelling evidence.

6. Continental Drift Theory Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016 Fossil Record: -Fossil evidence for continental drift includes several fossil organisms found on different landmasses. -Mesosaurus is a fresh water animal. Fossil records on both South America and Africa prove its existence on both sides of the Atlantic ocean. -A plant – Glossopteris, fossil records spread across gondwanaland

7. Continental Drift Theory Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016 Rock Types and Formations: Matching geologic structures including: –Mountain chains –Ore deposits –Same rocks of same age in different locations –Atlas, Scottish highlands, Appalachian, Caledonian Mts.

8. Continental Drift Theory Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016 Paleoclimates: - -Wegener investigated the link between glacial deposits and climate records. - -Glacial deposits found at current equator - -Fossilized palm trees in Greenland - -300 mya glacial ice sheets covered Antarctica and other continents – evidence of glacial grooves in bedrock found in India and Africa.

9. Continental Drift Theory Mr. R & Ms. GEarth Science 2015- 2016 Wegener’s rejection: - Original theory of Earth’s contraction and cooling – causing wrinkles. - -1924 his ‘origins of the continents and oceans’ was translated into more languages. - -Very controversial theory at the time - -Scientists saw the evidence and could not explain how the continents moved – the mechanism. - -Wegener had unsubstantial evidence to explain the movement mechanism – however this was unconfirmed.