Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift Theory

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Questions and Answers

What significant fossil evidence discovery was made in 1911?

Evidence that Africa and South America were once joined. (correct)
Discovery of dinosaur fossils in both continents.
Confirmation of a mass extinction event.
Support for the theory of plate tectonics being universal.

What was the primary focus of the papers published in 1912?

The existence of supercontinents.
The mechanisms of continental drift. (correct)
The origin of the Earth's crust.
The effects of climate change on geology.

What happened to the individual’s academic career in 1914?

He published a groundbreaking paper on continental drift.
He was drafted into the German army but later released. (correct)
He was awarded a prestigious science prize.
He was appointed as a head of geology research.

Which publication was released in 1915 that contained maps of joined continents?

<p>The Origin of Continents and Oceans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did he take the role of professor at Graz University?

<p>1924 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Fossil Evidence Discovery

Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, discovered fossil evidence that suggested Africa and South America were once connected. This discovery supported his idea of continental drift, which proposed that Earth's continents move.

Wegener's Papers on Continental Drift

Alfred Wegener published two papers in 1912 detailing his theory of continental drift, explaining how continents moved over time and supported his theory with evidence.

World War I Impact

Alfred Wegener was drafted into the German army during World War I, but was released in 1914 after being wounded.

Wegener's Book: The Origin of Continents and Oceans

Alfred Wegener published a book in 1915 titled "The Origin of Continents and Oceans." This book expanded upon his continental drift theory and included maps showing how the continents were once connected.

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University Appointment

In 1924, Alfred Wegener became a professor of meteorology and geophysics at Graz University in Austria, where he continued his research and exploration of continental drift.

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Study Notes

Alfred Wegener's Contributions to Continental Drift Theory

Wegener discovered fossil evidence in 1911 supporting the idea that Africa and South America were previously connected.
In 1912, he published his theory in two papers and further elaborated in lectures.
He detailed his theory of continental drift in his 1915 book, "The Origin of Continents and Oceans," illustrating the proposed joining of continents with accompanying maps.
During World War I (1914), Wegener was drafted into the German army, but was released after being injured.
In 1924, he became a professor of meteorology and geophysics at Graz University in Austria.