Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift

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Questions and Answers

What was the significant contribution of Alfred Wegener in the field of meteorology during his early career?

He created the first meteorological satellites for earth observation.

He developed the concept of atmospheric pressure systems.

He introduced advanced computer modeling for weather prediction.

He pioneered the use of weather balloons to study air movement. (correct)

What pivotal expedition led Alfred Wegener to establish the first meteorological station in Greenland?

His fourth trip to Greenland in 1930.

His expedition to the Arctic in 1912.

His assignment in 1906 to chart Greenland's northeast coast. (correct)

His work in the German army during World War I.

What event interrupted Wegener's academic career during World War I?

He took leave to conduct research in the Arctic.

He was captured as a prisoner of war.

He was appointed to a military meteorology unit.

He was drafted into the German army and was later wounded. (correct)

In which year did Wegener publish his significant work, The Origin of Continents and Oceans, that illustrated his theory of continental drift?

1915 Signup and view all the answers

How did Wegener's findings on fossil records contribute to his scientific theory?

They supported the theory that Africa and South America were once joined. Signup and view all the answers

What significant feature did Marie Tharp discover in the Atlantic Ocean?

A 9,941-mile ridge with a central rift Signup and view all the answers

What limitation did Alfred Wegener face regarding his theory of continental drift?

Inability to explain the mechanism of movement Signup and view all the answers

What major event during World War II influenced Marie Tharp's career path?

Encouragement for women to pursue masculine disciplines Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of plate tectonics describe about the Earth's crust?

It is made of smaller plates that move as convection currents occur Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Alfred Wegener's last expedition to Greenland in 1930?

He died from overexertion Signup and view all the answers

What was the key observation that supported Wegener's theory of continental drift?

The matching coastlines of Africa and South America. Signup and view all the answers

Which fossil provided significant evidence for Wegener's continental drift theory?

Cynognathus, a reptile from the Triassic period. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor in the initial dismissal of Wegener's theory by geologists?

His lack of formal training and credentials in geology. Signup and view all the answers

What ancient landmass did Wegener propose the continents had once formed?

Pangea. Signup and view all the answers

In which period did Cynognathus live, as mentioned in the context of Wegener's evidence?

Triassic. Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence did Wegener primarily utilize to support his theory?

Fossil records, geological formations, and glacial deposits. Signup and view all the answers

Which explanation for the similarities between continents was commonly held before Wegener's theory?

The existence of land bridges connecting continents. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual feature near the equator supported Wegener's theory?

Glacial deposits found in the region. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alfred Wegener

A meteorologist and Arctic explorer who was born in Berlin, Germany in 1880.
He was the youngest of five children.
He obtained a PhD in Astronomy from Berlin University and later switched to the field of meteorology.
His observations of the continents' coastlines led him to question their configurations.

### Continental Drift

In 1912, Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift.
His theory suggested that the continents were once joined together as a single land mass, called Pangea, and had since drifted to their current positions.
Wegener found evidence for this theory in the fossil record, rock formations, and the shapes of the continents.

### Key Evidence

The fossil record of Cynognathus provided a key example - this large dog-like reptile lived around 250 million years ago and its fossils were found in both South Africa and South America.

### Reception of Wegener's Theory

Wegener's theory was not well-received by geologists of the time.
His work was dismissed by established specialists in the field.

### Marie Tharp

A geologist and cartographer who charted the ocean floor.
In 1953, she discovered a 9,941-mile (16,000-km) ridge in the middle of the Atlantic with a deep rift at its center.
This discovery supported Wegener's theory of continental drift.

### Plate Tectonics

In the 1950s and 1960s, new evidence emerged that supported Wegener's theory.
It was discovered that the Earth's crust is made up of gigantic tectonic plates, which move as convection currents bring molten lava up to the surface.

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Description

Explore the life and contributions of Alfred Wegener, the meteorologist who proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912. This quiz covers his background, key evidence supporting his theory, and the initial reception from the scientific community. Test your knowledge on this groundbreaking concept in geology.