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Tectonics 2 - Wegener

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in 1914, suggesting that continents were once a single landmass called Pangaea. His evidence included fossil distribution and the geological similarities between continents. Although initially dismissed, his ideas were validated 20 years after his death as geologists recognized the movement of tectonic plates that shape the Earth's surface.

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3 views12 pages

Tectonics 2 - Wegener

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in 1914, suggesting that continents were once a single landmass called Pangaea. His evidence included fossil distribution and the geological similarities between continents. Although initially dismissed, his ideas were validated 20 years after his death as geologists recognized the movement of tectonic plates that shape the Earth's surface.

Uploaded by

hainguyenhanoi
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ALFRED WEGENER

Continental Drift
• In 1914, a German scientist called
Alfred Wegener, was the first to
study the idea that the continents
might have once been a single
landmass.

• However, it wasn’t until 20 years after


Wegener died, that geologists
realised he was right.

• The continents and ocean floors


really do “float” on moving rock
plates, and have been drifting for
millions of years.

Image: Public Domain


Continental Drift

• Alfred Wegener came


up with some very
convincing evidence
to support his idea.

• He looked at where
different fossils were
found and was able to
piece the continents
back together into
one landmass.
How the Continents Formed

Permian Period
250 million years ago

• 250 million years ago, all the land on Earth was one large landmass.
• Wegener named this landmass Pangaea.
How the Continents Formed

Triassic Period
200 million years ago

• The moving tectonic plates started to split Pangaea apart.


• 200 million years ago, the land was split into two landmasses – Laurasia
and Gondwanaland.
How the Continents Formed

Jurassic Period
145 million years ago

145 million years ago, the continents we know today were starting to
become visible.
How the Continents Formed

Cretaceous Period
65 million years ago

Which landmasses and continents can you spot on this map of Earth, 65
million years ago?
How the Continents Formed

Present
Day

Over 250 million years, the movement of the plates has created the land
masses we recognise today.
Are the Plates Still Moving?

• The plates move about 1 to 10 cm


every year.

• Plates can move towards each other,


away from each other or rub
alongside each other.

• Watch this video , which shows a part


of Iceland where the North American
and Eurasian plates are moving apart.
50 Million Years From Now…

• South America is
moving towards
North America.

• North America is
moving away from
Europe.

• Australasia is
moving towards
Asia.

Can you imagine what the world will look like in 50 million years
time?
VIDEO
Watch this video about Wegener’s theory. It will help you answer the
questions at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbU809Cyrao
TASK
Analyze the PPT and then complete the Q+A by 8am on Monday, April
14th. Maximum word count = 300 words.

1. What were Wegener's two main pieces of evidence for continental


drift?

2. What did critics of Wegener say about his continental drift theory?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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