Who is credited with the proposal of the Continental Drift theory?

Who is credited with the proposal of the Continental Drift theory?

• A. Charles Lyell
• B. Alfred Wegener
• C. Harry Hess
• D. John Tuzo Wilson

Answer: (B)

The proposal of the Continental Drift theory is attributed to Alfred Wegener. He introduced this groundbreaking concept in the early 20th century, suggesting that continents were not fixed in position but rather slowly drifted across the Earth’s surface over geological time. Wegener supported his theory with a wide range of evidence, including the fit of continental coastlines, fossil distribution, and geological similarities across continents, particularly between South America and Africa. His ideas laid the foundational groundwork for the later development of the theory of plate tectonics, which further explains the movements of the Earth's lithosphere. Although Wegener faced skepticism from many contemporaries during his time, his pioneering work has since been recognized as crucial in the field of geology and earth sciences.

The proposal of the Continental Drift theory is attributed to Alfred Wegener. He introduced this groundbreaking concept in the early 20th century, suggesting that continents were not fixed in position but rather slowly drifted across the Earth’s surface over geological time. Wegener supported his theory with a wide range of evidence, including the fit of continental coastlines, fossil distribution, and geological similarities across continents, particularly between South America and Africa.

His ideas laid the foundational groundwork for the later development of the theory of plate tectonics, which further explains the movements of the Earth's lithosphere. Although Wegener faced skepticism from many contemporaries during his time, his pioneering work has since been recognized as crucial in the field of geology and earth sciences.