DMPQ: What were the evidences put forward by Wegner in support of Continental drift theory?

“Jig saw” fit- Wegener was struck by the geographical similarity between the opposite coasts ofthe Atlantic Ocean. The outlines of the two coasts appears to be the detached portion of theother ie. The east coast of north and South America can be exactly fit into the left coast ofAfrica and Europe.

Geological structure- there is remarkable similarity in geological structure along the two coastsof Atlantic. The best example is provided by the Appalachian mountains of North Americawhich come right up to the coast and continue their trend across the ocean in old HercynianMountains of south west Ireland, Wales and central Europe. The opposite coasts of Africa andBrazil display even greater resemblance in their structure and rocks.

Permo-carboniferous glaciations- it presents a strong proof that at one point of time these landmasses were assembled together , since the evidences of this glaciation are found in Brazil,Falkland island, South Africa, Indian peninsula as well as Australia. It is difficult to explain theseextensive glaciations on the basis of existing distribution of landmass and water. According toWegener at the time of Pangaea, the South Pole was situated near Durban of the present coastof South Africa.

Similar Fossil remains of terrestrial animals are found on both coasts of the Atlantic. Thiscannot be possible if the two landmasses were not joined as it quite impossible for theseanimals to swim across the Atlantic.

 

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