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Question #1 : What 2 pieces of evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of Continental Drift?. Fossil Evidence The shape of the continents. 8.9A Alfred Wegener & Plate Tectonics. August 29, 2013. Who is Alfred Wegener?. Developed theory of continental drift in 1912
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Question #1: What 2 pieces of evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of Continental Drift? • Fossil Evidence • The shape of the continents
8.9A Alfred Wegener & Plate Tectonics August 29, 2013
Who is Alfred Wegener? • Developed theory of continental drift in 1912 • Fact: The idea was originally presented in the late 1500s! • Controversial idea people thought it was a crazy idea even though he had evidence Check out my video clip!
Alfred is unpopular… • He has evidence, so why do people not believe him? Answer: he can’t explain what force exists that is strong enough to move huge landmasses. Not this force.
What was Pangaea? • Supercontinent that existed 250mya • Started to break up 225-200mya • Is still moving today!
How Continental Drift turned into the Theory of Plate Tectonics • Technology development in the 1950s and 1960s led to a better understanding of what happens under the crust • Even more evidence found! Rare rocks seem to match up in South America and Africa. • Magnetic evidence to support his theory.
Evidences we accept for Plate Tectonic Theory: • Plant and Animal fossils • Shape of continents • Rock formations • Seafloor spreading (Mid-Atlantic Ridge)
Assignment: Newspaper Article It is 1918 and you work for a newspaper. Your job: write one paragraph about Alfred Wegener and his new theory he discovered. Write your rough draft first & get it approved by the editors in chief (myself or Ms. Carpenter). We will be typing them in the computer lab on Friday, August 30!