Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912?

The correct answer is Alfred Wegener.

Key Points

• Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.
• He hypothesized that all continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea, which gradually drifted apart.
• His theory was based on geological, paleontological, and climatological evidence, such as the matching coastlines of South America and Africa and the distribution of fossils.
• Despite being revolutionary, Wegener's theory faced criticism initially due to the lack of a plausible mechanism for continental movement.
• The Continental Drift Theory laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics, which was later established in the mid-20th century.

Additional Information

• Pangaea: The supercontinent hypothesized by Wegener that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.
• Plate Tectonics: A scientific theory developed later in the 20th century explaining the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates driven by mantle convection.
• Fossil Evidence: Similar fossils of extinct plants and animals, such as Mesosaurus, were found on continents now separated by oceans, supporting Wegener's theory.
• Geological Evidence: Matching rock formations and mountain ranges across continents, such as the Appalachian Mountains in North America and the Caledonian Mountains in Europe.
• Criticism of Wegener's Theory: Early opposition stemmed from the lack of an explanation for the forces driving continental movement, which was later addressed by the theory of plate tectonics.