On Solid Ground The Alfred Wegener Story

Alfred Wegener Alfred Wegener was a German scientist He was trained to be an astronomer (someone who studies Outer Space). He spent most of his life working as a meteorologist (a scientist who studies weather).

A True Scientist Alfred Wegener was: – Curious about the world around him; – Asked questions about his observations; – Systematically looked for explanations for things he saw even if it did not apply to his job (weather and climate)

The Theory of Continental Drift He was the first person to suggest (1910) that the continents of the world were moving and The continents were all squished together as one Super-Continent. He called this idea “The Theory of Continental Drift

Evidence of Continental Drift One of the first clues to his theory came from looking at the shape of the continents. He noted that they look like they could fit together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

Reptile Fossil found in South America & South Africa Evidence of Continental Drift

Fossils of tropical ferns found in the Arctic. There is no way that those topical plants could ever live that far north. Therefore, he thought that those northern areas must have been down nearer the equator at some point in history. Evidence of Continental Drift

Pangaea – The Super Continent He named the supercontinent, Pangaea [pan- GEE-uh]. Pangaea is a word that means “all the earth”.

Who does he think he is? Leave geology to the big boys! Back to your glacier, Weather Boy! Continental Drift – Really! What a load of non- sense. Everyone knows about Land bridges! Scientists Gave His Theory A Rude Reception!

Wegener’s Last Expedition In 1930 Wegener returned to Greenland. He was the expedition leader They were there to study the great ice cap

Wegener’s Last Expedition The ships were stuck in harbour ice for 2 months!

Wegener’s Last Expedition Due to storms & terrible weather conditions, some critical supplies did not make it to Middle Camp: 1.Tent 2.Radio transmitter 3.Some food

Wegener’s Last Expedition Wegener sets out with Lowe and a big team of Greenlanders to rescue the Middle Camp team! Conditions were too harsh and many turned back!

Wegener’s Last Expedition Only Wegener, Lowe and Villumsen (a Greenlander) made it to Middle Camp. Wegener & Villumsen are is great condition. Lowe is badly frostbitten!

Wegener’s Last Expedition Turns out that Middle Camp dug an Ice cave and found a way to ration their food. They did not need Wegener’s help!

Wegener’s Last Expedition Wegener celebrated his 50 th birthday and then turns around to head back to base camp! Villumsen goes with him.

Wegener’s Last Expedition The last photo of Wegener & Villumsen before they set off into the Greenland wilds.

Wegener’s body was buried with care by Villumsen and mark by Wegener’s ski poles. It was thought that he died of a heart attack in his tent!

Wegener’s Last Expedition A cross was put up to mark the spot where Wegener’s body was found. Both the body and the cross have disappeared under the glacier!

Wegener’s Last Expedition Though his theory was still not believed, he died a HERO who risked his life to save those of this team. Eventually, scientists did come to realize that his theory was correct.