Drifting Continents Chapter 4.3

Standard S.6.1.a Students know evidence of plate tectonics is derived from the fit of the continents; the location of earthquakes, volcanoes, and mid ocean ridges; and the distribution of fossils, rock types, and ancient climatic zones.

Learning Goals

Learning Goals SWBAT know Alfred Wegener’s hypothesis about the continents. SWBAT know what evidence supported Wegener’s hypothesis. SWBAT explain why Wegener’s hypothesis was rejected by most scientists of his day.

Continental drift The idea by Alfred Wegener that the continents slowly moved over Earth’s surface.

Pangaea According to Wegener, the continents drifted together to form the supercontinent Pangaea. He said it existed 300 million years ago.

fossil Any trace of an ancient organism that has been preserved in rock.

Continental Drift Wegener’s hypothesis was that all the continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have since drifted apart.

Evidence of Continental Drift? Wegener gathered evidence from different scientific fields to support his ideas about continental drift. He studied land features, fossils, and evidence of climate change.

Wegener’s Hypothesis Unfortunately, Wegener could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the force that pushes or pulls continents.

Homework Workbook Chapter 4, Section 3