The

Continental Drift
Theory
Presented by: Carlos Daniel G.
Manuel
 Introduction
General concepts
• The continental drift theory states the movement of
tectonic plates, which drift apart from the land
which sits on top, is the cause for this shift. When
the land spread apart, it formed individual smaller
landmasses known as continents.
 What is Continental drift
• Continental drift is the theory that the Earth's
continents were once part of a single landmass
called Pangaea and have since drifted apart over
millions of years. This movement is attributed to the
shifting of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's
surface.
 What is Continental drift
• The theory was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early
20th century and has since been supported and refined by
the science of plate tectonics, which explains how the
Earth's lithosphere (the rigid outer layer) is divided into
several large and small plates that move and interact with
each other, leading to the gradual movement of
continents.
Who is Alfred Wegener?
Wegener was a German
meteorologist, geophysicist
and polar researcher. In
1915 he published 'The
Origin of Continents and
Oceans', which outlined his
theory of Continental Drift.
 Wegener's idea
• Typographic
Evidence
• Fossils
Correlation
• Rock Formation
• Paleoclimatic
Evidence
 Typographic Evidence

• Wegener noticed that the continents seemed to fit

together
• The ‘’good fit’’ suggested that just like neighboring
pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, the continents were once
connected in one supercontinent.
 Fossils Correlation
• Wegener used fossil evidence to support his
continental drift hypothesis. The fossils of these
organisms are found on lands that are now far apart.
Grooves and rock deposits left by ancient glaciers
are found today on different continents very close to
the equator.
 Rock Formation
• Identical rocks, of the same type and age, are found
on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Wegener said
the rocks had formed side-by-side and that the land
had since moved apart. Mountain ranges with the
same rock types, structures, and ages are now on
opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
 Paleoclimatic Evidence

• paleoclimate indicators In rocks of the same age in

equatorial Africa he knew there were glacial tillites.
These indicated to Wegener that the continents must
have moved (Europe from near the equator, Africa
from the polar region into the equatorial region).
 THANK YOU!
Presented by: Carlos Daniel G. Manuel
10-BONIFACIO
Science Teacher Ma'am Suaybaguio