A set of moving sections of lithosphere
Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift proposed that all continents were once connected in a single supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, Pangaea broke apart and the fragments drifted to their current positions. Wegener's idea eventually led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics.
The discovery of mid-ocean ridges and the process of seafloor spreading in the 1960s caused scientists to rethink Wegener's theory of continental drift. This new evidence provided a mechanism for how continents could move apart and lent support to the concept of plate tectonics as the driving force behind the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.
he theorized about the continental drift and he also said that a pangaea formed 200 million years ago
States that the continents were once a single huge landmass. This landmass broke up million years ago and the pieces drifted apart. facing edges of many continents have similar rock formations. If the continents brought togehter, the formations would match exactly (like combining South America and Africa). Fossils of the same kinds of living things have been found on different continents. Perhaps these living things were together on one landmass before it split.
Scientists now know about plate tectonics, which explains how Earth's outer shell is divided into large plates that move and interact with each other. This understanding supports Wegener's theory of continental drift, as it provides a mechanism for the movement of continents over time. Additionally, evidence from ocean floor mapping, seafloor spreading, and magnetic striping further supports the concept of plate tectonics.
plate tectonics
His evidence was incorrect.
Plate tectonics, which refers to the concept of continental drift.
evidence supporting the idea of sea-floor spreading.
Alfred Wegeners 1912 theory of Plate tectonics and continental drift.
Scientists changed the name of Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift to the theory of plate tectonics. This shift occurred as a result of accumulating evidence and advancements in understanding the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact. Plate tectonics encompasses not only the movement of continents but also the mechanisms driving these movements, such as seafloor spreading and subduction.
@ his time plate tectonics was not theorized. they didnt know yet that continental and oceanic crust are seperate. it was thought that continents were drifting on water and moved some million years ago due to erosion,etc! hence the "continental drift theory"
Wegener's hypothesis for continental drift, proposed in the early 20th century, suggests that continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea, which gradually broke apart and drifted to their current positions. He based his hypothesis on evidence such as the fit of continental coastlines, similar geological features across continents, and fossil correlations. Despite presenting compelling evidence, Wegener's theory was initially met with skepticism due to the lack of a mechanism to explain how continents could move. It wasn't until the development of the theory of plate tectonics that his ideas gained widespread acceptance.
Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was met with significant skepticism and resistance from many in the scientific community during his time. Critics argued that he lacked a plausible mechanism to explain how continents could move, leading to widespread dismissal of his ideas. However, over time, as more evidence emerged and the theory of plate tectonics developed, Wegener's hypothesis gained acceptance and is now recognized as a foundational concept in geology.
Fossils support his hypothesis.
One day while scientists were exploring the sea floor, they discovered sea-floor spreading, thus proving Wegener's hypothesis to be correct.
Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was largely rejected due to a lack of a plausible mechanism to explain how continents could move across the Earth's surface. He proposed that continents plowed through the oceanic crust, which seemed implausible to many scientists. Additionally, his ideas conflicted with the prevailing theories of the time, such as land bridges and static continents. The discovery of plate tectonics in the 1960s eventually provided the necessary mechanisms for continental movement, validating Wegener's ideas long after their initial rejection.