continental drift

WHAT IS THIS?

THIS IS NOT HOW EARTH LOOKS TODAY

Plate Tectonics

The theory of plate tectonics was first proposed by
Alfred Wegener in 1910. Wegener noticed that the
shorelines of the continents seemed to ‘fit together’
like the pieces of a giant jig saw puzzle.

Wegener’s theory stated:
1) The continents were once all

together in one place forming a
supercontinent, Pangea.

2) The continents broke apart and

drifted to their present locations.

Today plate tectonics and continental drift are accepted as facts.
Why? Let’s see the evidence!

⚫

Continental Drift: The gradual movement

of the continents across the earth.

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• The speed plates move is about the speed at

which your fingernails grow. (8cm per year)

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• In 1915, The German geologist Alfred

Wegener (1880-1930) proposed continental
drift. Not accepted until the 1950’s!

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• In 1915, The German geologist Alfred

Wegener (1880-1930) proposedcontinental
drift.Not accepted until 1950’s!

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

“I say.” “Africa and South
America fit strangely like

two puzzle pieces.”

Multiple Choice

The German scientist who first proposed the Theory of Continental Drift 100 years ago?

• Harry Hess

• Penny Pangea

• Alfred Wegener

• Gary Gondwana

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Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• What is this a fossil of?

– Where would you expect to find a specimen

like this on the planet?

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• Answer! This is a fossilized tropical plant

found on Antarctica.

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• Answer! This is a fossilized tropical plant

found on Antarctica.
– Remember, the continents have moved and

Antarctica use to be in a warmer climate.

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

• Answer! This is a fossilizedtropical plant

found on Antarctica.
– Remember, the continents have moved and

Antarctica use to be in a warmer climate.

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

“Darn you

continental Drift.”

“Darn you.”

• Current Day + or – 4mm

• What causes continental drift and plate

tectonics?

Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Plate Tectonics

The theory of plate tectonics was first proposed by
Alfred Wegener in 1910. Wegener noticed that the
shorelines of the continents seemed to ‘fit together’
like the pieces of a giant jig saw puzzle.

Wegener’s theory stated:
1) The continents were once all

together in one place forming a
supercontinent, Pangea.

One Minute Review:
Pangaea

Multiple Choice

What was Wegener’s continental drift idea?

• The continents have moved slowly apart to their current locations.

• The continents have always been located at their current locations.

• The continents are moving slowly together from their current locations.

• None of these

Multiple Choice

Alfred Wegener named his single supercontinent ____________,

which means "all Earth" in ancient Greek.

• Pandora

• Gandowandaland

• Pangea

• Percia

Match

Match the following.

• Glacier grooves match up on neighboring continents

• Plant and animal evidence found on continents seperated by oceans

• Hardened magma of the same chemistry and age

• Continents seem to fit together like puzzle pieces

Climate Clues

Fossil clues

Rock clues

Continental shape clues

• Climate Clues

• Fossil clues

• Rock clues

• Continental shape clues

Reorder

Order the pictures of Pangaea from oldest to present day.

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5