Alfred Wegener: Meteorology and Continental Drift

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Questions and Answers

What significant evidence did Alfred Wegener discover in 1911 to support his theory of continental drift?

Seismic activity patterns indicating shifting land

Magnetic field anomalies along coastlines

Geological formations matching across continents

Fossil evidence showing joint history between Africa and South America (correct)

In which year did Alfred Wegener publish his influential book 'The Origin of Continents and Oceans'?

1920

1912

1924

1915 (correct)

What event interrupted Alfred Wegener's career in the early 20th century?

World War I enlistment and subsequent injury (correct)

A significant expedition failure

His appointment at Graz University

A major scientific discovery

During which expedition did Wegener plan to celebrate his 50th birthday?

His fourth expedition to Greenland Signup and view all the answers

What was Wegener's academic role in 1924?

Professor of Meteorology and Geophysics at Graz University Signup and view all the answers

What was one observation made by Wegener that supported the theory of continental drift?

The presence of similar fossils on multiple continents. Signup and view all the answers

What term did Wegener use to describe the ancient supercontinent that he believed existed?

Pangea Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the skepticism regarding Wegener's theory?

All his evidence was anecdotal. Signup and view all the answers

What geological feature did Wegener observe was located at the equator that suggested continental movement?

Glacial deposits Signup and view all the answers

How did Wegener's observations about coastlines contribute to the idea of continental drift?

Coastlines of continents fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant limitation of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift?

He could not explain how or why the movement occurred. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for the movement of tectonic plates according to the new evidence that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s?

Convection currents in the Earth's mantle. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of Marie Tharp to the theory of continental drift?

She charted the ocean floor and identified the mid-Atlantic ridge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the mid-Atlantic ridge discovered by Marie Tharp?

A significant ridge with a deep rift at its center, measuring 9,941 miles long. Signup and view all the answers

How did the discovery of tectonic plates resolve the 'jigsaw puzzle' of continental drift?

By indicating that continents were once connected and later drifted apart. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Alfred Wegener: A Groundbreaking Meteorologist and Arctic Explorer

Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and Arctic explorer, is credited with first proposing a systematic theory of continental drift.
Born in Berlin, Germany in 1880, Wegener earned a PhD in astronomy before transitioning his focus to meteorology.
While working at a meteorological station, Wegener used weather balloons to study atmospheric movement, showcasing his early interest in scientific exploration.
His pioneering expedition to Greenland in 1906 provided him with the opportunity to observe the similar coastlines of continents, fueling his curiosity about their relationship.

Milestone Discoveries and Publications

In 1911, Wegener found fossil evidence suggesting a connection between Africa and South America, strengthening his theory.
Wegener's initial theory was published in two papers in 1912.
He presented his theory in a series of lectures, further propagating his ideas within the scientific community.

World War I: A Pause in Scientific Pursuit

Wegener was drafted into the German army during World War I, pausing his research, albeit briefly.
He was released in 1914, after being wounded in battle, returning to his scientific endeavors.

"The Origin of Continents and Oceans": A Pivotal Book

Wegener published his seminal book, "The Origin of Continents and Oceans," in 1915, presenting maps illustrating how the continents were once joined.
The book laid the groundwork for his theory and triggered further research and debate.

Academic Career: Disseminating Knowledge

In 1924, Wegener became a professor of meteorology and geophysics at Graz University in Austria.
This academic position allowed him to teach, mentor students, and contribute significantly to the advancement of his field.

Wegener's Tragic Final Expedition

Wegener's fourth expedition to Greenland in 1930 was planned as a grand celebration of his 50th birthday and included extensive provisions.
The expedition was cut short due to safety concerns, ultimately leading to Wegener's death in Greenland.

Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift: A Controversial But Groundbreaking Idea

Wegener's theory was based on the observation of the seemingly matching coastlines of Africa and South America, suggesting a past connection.
The theory challenged conventional geological thought at the time, as many attributed such similarities to biblical floods or sunken land bridges.
He sought further evidence, researching fossil records and discovering identical species across continents, matching rock formations in disparate locations, and similar ancient mountain ranges.
He also observed continental and glacial deposits located at the equator, suggesting that continents were once in different locations.
Wegener proposed the concept of Pangea, a supercontinent that he believed existed before continents drifted apart.

Wegener's Theory Faced Skepticism: A Scientist Ahead of His Time

Wegener’s theory was met with skepticism due to the lack of a concrete explanation for how the continents could move.
Many geologists dismissed Wegener, considering him an outsider in their field.
Despite the resistance, Wegener's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the later development of the accepted theory of plate tectonics.

Cynognathus : Evidence of a Shared Past

Cynognathus, a large dog-like reptile that lived approximately 250 million years ago, provides compelling evidence for Wegener's ideas.
Fossils of Cynognathus have been found in both South Africa and South America, suggesting that these continents were formerly connected.

Plate Tectonics: Building on Wegener's Legacy

New evidence that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s provided support for Wegener's theory.
The discovery of the Earth's crust being composed of massive tectonic plates, moving due to convection currents, provided a mechanism for continental drift.

The Role of Marie Tharp: Ocean Floor Mapping as Evidence

Geologist and cartographer Marie Tharp played a key role in providing evidence for continental drift through her detailed mapping of the ocean floor.
Her mapping, particularly of the mid-Atlantic rift, revealed a significant ridge in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, with a deep rift at its center, spanning 9,941 miles (16,000 km).
Tharp's discovery provided strong support for Wegener’s theory, demonstrating the connection between continents.
While Tharp herself may not have explicitly argued for continental drift, her mapping contributions provided crucial evidence supporting Wegener's ideas.

Summary

The theory of plate tectonics, which explains the movement of the Earth's continents, built upon the groundwork laid by Alfred Wegener's initial theory of continental drift.
While initially met with skepticism, Wegener's ideas persisted with the discovery of new evidence in the 1950s and 1960s.
Marie Tharp's exploration of the ocean floor, particularly her discovery of the mid-Atlantic ridge, significantly bolstered the theory of continental drift.

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Description

Explore the life and groundbreaking contributions of Alfred Wegener, a pivotal figure in meteorology and Arctic exploration. Learn about his early studies, expeditions, and the development of his theory of continental drift through significant fossil evidence and publications. His work laid the foundation for modern geological science.