Where is the Proof for Pangea?

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Transcript Where is the Proof for Pangea?

Where is the Proof for Pangea?
Alfred Wegener first proposes Continental Drift in
1915. He suggested continents were once all part of
the “Pangea” Super Continent.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Fit of the Continents
Fossil Similarities: Mesosaurus,reptile similar to modern
alligator which lived in shallow waters of South America and
Africa.
Rock Similarities
Paleoclimatic Evidence
a.
b.
Glacial deposits at equator
Coral reefs in Antarctica
Where is the Proof for Pangea?
•Idea was rejected by North American geologists
•Wegener couldn't come up with a mechanism for
continental drift.
•Wegener dies in 1930 and his idea dies with him.
•Geologic Science Finally found a mechanism to explain
Wegener’s Theory in 1960s
•Seismic measurements and ocean floor magnetic
orientation final pieces to lead to contemporary idea of
Plate Techtonics
How Plates Meet
(Boundaries)
The Earth’s Tectonic Plates
Pangea and Today
250 million years ago “Pangea”
Today
How Mountains are Made !
Ring of Fire