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Questions and Answers
What significant evidence did Alfred Wegener discover in 1911 to support his theory of continental drift?
In which year did Alfred Wegener publish his influential book 'The Origin of Continents and Oceans'?
What event interrupted Alfred Wegener's career in the early 20th century?
During which expedition did Wegener plan to celebrate his 50th birthday?
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What was Wegener's academic role in 1924?
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What was one observation made by Wegener that supported the theory of continental drift?
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What term did Wegener use to describe the ancient supercontinent that he believed existed?
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Which of the following was NOT a reason for the skepticism regarding Wegener's theory?
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What geological feature did Wegener observe was located at the equator that suggested continental movement?
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How did Wegener's observations about coastlines contribute to the idea of continental drift?
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What was a significant limitation of Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift?
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Which process is primarily responsible for the movement of tectonic plates according to the new evidence that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s?
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What was the main contribution of Marie Tharp to the theory of continental drift?
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Which of the following best describes the mid-Atlantic ridge discovered by Marie Tharp?
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How did the discovery of tectonic plates resolve the 'jigsaw puzzle' of continental drift?
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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.
