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A biography of the man who created the theory of continental drift.
Alfred Wegener studied astronomy and meteorology--and was even a record-holding balloonist--before he became famous for his theories on how the land and seas on Earth were formed and change. These ideas are continental drift and plate tectonics. Seeing that the continents fit together like a puzzle, Wegener proved the theory that all of Earth's continents were once connected. Although his theories weren't accepted until after his death, scientists use plate tectonics to explain volcanoes and many other changes on Earth.
The book should be of interest not only to earth scientists, students of polar travel and exploration, and historians but to all readers who are fascinated by the great minds of science.--Henry R. Frankel, University of Missouri-Kansas City, author of The Continental Drift Controversy "Science & Education"
In 1915 Alfred Wegener's seminal work describing the continental drift was first published in German. Wegener explained various phenomena of historical geology, geomorphy, paleontology, paleoclimatology, and similar areas in terms of continental drift. This edition includes new data to support his theories, helping to refute the opponents of his controversial views. 64 illustrations.
Many landforms make up Earths surface, including mountains, glaciers, deserts, and even coral reefs. Some scientists specialize in geomorphology, which is the study of landforms. Others who study the land can become mapmakers or geologists. Earth is constantly changing, which means there is always something new to learn. For more information, read Landforms, another book in the Mission: Science series.
In this appealing biography, children will read about the fascinating life, theories, and discoveries of Alfred Wegener. From his time in Greenland studying meteorology with hot balloons to his theory of Pangea, readers will be eager to learn more about Wegener's contributions to science and the strides he took towards developing the study of plate tectonics. The easy-to-read text, accessible glossary, helpful index, and intriguing facts work in conjunction with the lively images and captivating lab activity to engage readers from beginning to end!
An old truism holds that a scientific discovery has three stages: first, people deny it is true; then they deny it is important; finally, they credit the wrong person. Alfred Wegener's "discovery" of continental drift went through each stage with unusual drama. In 1915, when he published his theory that the world's continents had once come together in a single landmass before splitting apart and drifting to their current positions, the world's geologists denied and scorned it. The scientific establishment's rejection of continental drift and plate tectonic theory is a story told often and well. Yet, there is an untold side to Wegener's life: he and his famous father-in-law, Wladimir Köppen ...
Fifty years ago, no one could explain mountains. Arguments about their origin were spirited, to say the least. Progressive scientists were ridiculed for their ideas. Most geologists thought the Earth was shrinking. Contracting like a hot ball of iron, shrinking and exposing ridges that became mountains. Others were quite sure the planet was expanding. Growth widened sea basins and raised mountains. There was yet another idea, the theory that the world's crust was broken into big plates that jostled around, drifting until they collided and jarred mountains into existence. That idea was invariably dismissed as pseudo-science. Or "utter damned rot" as one prominent scientist said. But the doubtful theory of plate tectonics prevailed. Mountains, earthquakes, ancient ice ages, even veins of gold and fields of oil are now seen as the offspring of moving tectonic plates. Just half a century ago, most geologists sternly rejected the idea of drifting continents. But a few intrepid champions of plate tectonics dared to differ. The Mountain Mystery tells their story.
Alfred Lothar Wegener (1880-1930) was a German geophysicist and meteorologist. His research focused mainly on meteorology and polar research, however he is most remembered as the originator of the theory of continental drift, i.e. that the continents are slowly drifting around the Earth. His hypothesis was controversial and widely rejected by mainstream geology until the 1950s, when novel discoveries such as palaeomagnetism provided strong support for continental drift, which is the basis for today's model of plate tectonics. Third edition, originally published in 1924.