Alfred Wegener and Evidence of Continental Drift Theory

What evidence did Wegener use to support his hypothesis?

1. The continents seem to fit together like pieces of a puzzle 2. Patterns from glaciers (striations) found on different continents 3. Mountains and rock layers matching on opposite sides of the ocean 4. Similar plant and animal fossils on several different continents

What is the continental drift theory?

Alfred Wegener's theory that the continents were once one giant supercontinent and then over millions of years have been separated.

What was Alfred Wegener's hypothesis?

Continental Drift Theory

Why did so many scientists reject Alfred Wegener's hypothesis?

He couldn't explain HOW the continents moved

What new theory represents a much more encompassing explanation for the movement of Earth's crust?

Plate Tectonic Theory

What was Harry Hess's hypothesis?

Theory of Sea-floor Spreading

What is the force that moves the continents?

convection currents

What did Harry Hess discover?

the mid-ocean ridge

What is Pangaea?

the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago

Why is it important to study the Theory of Continental Drift if it is not the most current theory?

to show that theories can evolve, especially when new evidence is found due to advancing technologies