alfred_wegner

Who is Alfred Wegener?

A meteorologist known for his theory of continental drift.

What did Wegener believe about the continents?

He proposed that the continents drifted apart over time.

What was unique about Wegener's approach to science?

He came from outside the scientific field and encouraged new perspectives.

What kind of expeditions did Wegener participate in?

Arctic expeditions to study the atmosphere.

What was Wegener's significant exploration tool?

He used box kites with recording instruments to gather atmospheric data.

What were Wegener's thoughts on South America and Africa?

He noticed their shapes fit together, suggesting they were once connected.

What was the reaction to Wegener's theory in America versus Europe?

Americans believed continents were fixed, while many Europeans thought they moved vertically.

What was the title of Wegener's book published in 1915?

It outlined his ideas on continental drift.

What name did Wegener coin for the supercontinent?

Pangaea.

What was the scientific community’s initial response to Wegener's theories?

There was universal rejection of his theories.

What evidence did Wegener draw upon to support his ideas?

He combined geology, vegetation, and paleontology.

How did paleontologists react to Wegener's theories?

They responded positively as his ideas explained the distribution of species.

How long did Wegener work on his ideas about continental drift?

He worked on it for 20 to 30 years.

What was one major flaw in Wegener's theories regarding continental movement?

He underestimated the speed at which continents move.

What ultimately happened to Wegener on his final expedition?

He died of a heart attack while trying to supply his team.

Where did Wegener’s body remain after his death?

He was left where he died in Greenland.

What concept did scientists develop in the 1970s that related to Wegener's ideas?

The theory of plate tectonics.

How did the understanding of continental movement change after Wegener?

Scientists accepted that continents move but not in the way Wegener suggested.

What does 'plate tectonics' describe?

It describes the movement of Earth's crustal plates.

What did Wegener get right about continents?

He correctly stated that continents move.

What is one major difference between Wegener's theory and current understanding?

Continents float on the mantle and do not drift along the ocean floor.