The Theory of Continental Drift

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The Theory of Continental Drift
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Continental Drift Theory

• Proposed by Alfred Wegener in 1910
• 250 million years ago, all of the continents were
  combined into one super-continent called
  Pangaea (all lands)
• The continents gradually drifted apart to where
  they are today

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Evidence to Support the Theory
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Puzzle Pieces

• Continents look like they could be part of a
  giant jigsaw puzzle

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Distribution of Fossils

• Plant and animal fossils found on the coastlines
  of different continents

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Ancient Climates

• Tropical plant remains (coal deposits) found in
  Antarctica- once had to be part of a warmer
  climate
• Glaciation in Africa, South America, India, and
  Australia during the same time

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Problems With The Theory

• He could not provide explanation for the force
  that pushes or pulls the continents
• Wind and currents could possibly move fossils
• Theory was not accepted by scientists