Continental Drift Plate Tectonics Continental Drift Theory First

Continental Drift & Plate Tectonics

Continental Drift Theory • First proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1912: – A German meterologist • Definition: 250 million years ago, all of the continents were combined into one supercontinent called “Pangaea” – The continents gradually drifted apart to where they are today • Wegner didn’t make up this theory out of the blue – like all scientists, he based it on evidence

Evidence Summary a) Geographic fit of South America and Africa b) Fossils match across oceans c) Rock types, structures, and mountain belts match across oceans d) Ancient glacial features

Geographic Fit • Continents look like they could be part of a giant jigsaw puzzle • Here’s how they moved apart

Fossils Match • Plant and animal fossils found on the coastlines of different continents • Mesosaurus found on Africa and South America

Fossil Fuel in Antarctica • Tropical plant remains (coal deposits) found in Antarctica – this is evidence that Antarctica was once much warmer and much closer to the equator, since tropical plants don’t grow in Antarctica today

Rock Structures Match Across Oceans • Same rock patterns found in South America, India, Africa, Antarctica and Australia

Rock Structures Match Across Oceans

Ancient Glacial Features • Glaciation in Africa, South America, India, and Australia during the same time • Glossopteris fern fossils on Antarctica indicate warmer climate.

Ancient Glacial Features

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