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The first instances of scientists discovering continental drift was primarily by first studying a world map of the continents. This was suggested as early as 1596 by the Dutch map maker Abraham Ortelius in the third edition of his work Thesaurus Geographicus. Ortelius suggested that the Americas, Eurasia and Africa were once joined and have since drifted apart "by earthquakes and floods," creating the modern Atlantic Ocean. For his evidence, he wrote: "The vestiges of the rupture reveal themselves, if someone brings forward a map of the world and considers carefully the coasts of the three continents." Francis Bacon commented on Ortelius' idea in 1620, as did Benjamin Franklin and Alexander von Humboldt in later centuries.
In 1912, Alfred Wegener found 4 types of evidence that supported his theory. First he found that the types of rocks on different coasts where similar to each other; the second was the mountain ranges not only on land but also under the ocean, the third was the noted similarities of fossils found on each continent, and lastly ware the findings of fossils and geologically ancient rocks on Antarctica.
Some of the key discoveries that led scientists to believe in continental drift include the matching shapes of the continents, similar rock formations and fossils found on different continents, and the discovery of mid-ocean ridges and magnetic striping on the ocean floor. These pieces of evidence provided support for the idea that continents were once connected and have moved over time.
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What did scientist believe before Continental Drift?
Before the theory of Continental Drift was widely accepted, scientists believed in the concept of stationary continents. They thought that the continents were fixed in place and did not move over time. This idea was known as the theory of continental permanence.
What do scientists think that pangea separated due to?
Scientists believe that Pangea separated due to plate tectonics, specifically the process of continental drift. This theory suggests that the Earth's continents are not fixed, but rather drift on the surface of the planet due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath them.
How many scientists accept Alfred wegener's continental drift theory?
Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially met with skepticism and opposition by many scientists when it was first proposed in the early 20th century. However, over time, as more evidence emerged to support the theory, an increasing number of scientists came to accept it. By the mid-20th century, Wegener's ideas formed the basis of the theory of plate tectonics, which is now widely accepted by the scientific community.
What do scientists now believe that could have caused the continental drift?
Scientists now believe that plate tectonics, the movement of Earth's lithosphere plates over the semi-fluid asthenosphere below, is responsible for continental drift. This movement is driven by the convection currents in the mantle, leading to the gradual shifting of continents over millions of years. This theory has been supported by evidence such as the matching coastlines of continents, distribution of fossils, and rock formations.
When scientists rejected the continental drift were they using the scientific process?
Yes, scientists were using the scientific process when they rejected the continental drift theory. The process involves proposing a hypothesis, testing it through observations and experiments, and revising or rejecting it based on the evidence. In this case, scientists rejected the theory because they did not find enough supporting evidence at the time.
Do scientists believe that continental drift is real?
Yes. They believe that the shifting of the tectonic plates under the earth caused it.
Who was the person that that made a hypothesis of continental drift?
It was Alfred Wegener but other scientists did not believe him but he found evidence
Why was the continental drift rejected by scientists?
yes becouse wenger is not geologist and he could not explain the how continental drift theory
What did scientist believe before Continental Drift?
Before the theory of Continental Drift was widely accepted, scientists believed in the concept of stationary continents. They thought that the continents were fixed in place and did not move over time. This idea was known as the theory of continental permanence.
Who are the scientists who proposed the theory of continental drift?
alfred wegner
Who is the scientists who came up with the continental Drift theory?
Alfred
Which Scientists observations eventually led to the theory of continental drift?
10
Did people believe the theory of continental drift?
No they didn't
Which scientists proposed the first formal theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener
What do scientists think that pangea separated due to?
Scientists believe that Pangea separated due to plate tectonics, specifically the process of continental drift. This theory suggests that the Earth's continents are not fixed, but rather drift on the surface of the planet due to the movement of tectonic plates beneath them.
Why were most scientists disagreeing with Alfred Wegeners continental drift theory?
There was no evidence to prove it
How many scientists accept Alfred wegener's continental drift theory?
Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially met with skepticism and opposition by many scientists when it was first proposed in the early 20th century. However, over time, as more evidence emerged to support the theory, an increasing number of scientists came to accept it. By the mid-20th century, Wegener's ideas formed the basis of the theory of plate tectonics, which is now widely accepted by the scientific community.
