RAS question
Alfred Wegener is associated with which geological theory?
Correct answer: (B) Continental Drift Theory.
Alfred Wegener is associated with the Continental Drift Theory, which he proposed in 1912 to explain the changing positions of continents and oceans.
Explanation
Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist, presented a comprehensive argument for the Continental Drift Theory in 1912. He proposed that the continents had once formed a single landmass called Pangaea, surrounded by a vast ocean called Panthalassa. Around 200 million years ago, Pangaea began to split, and its parts later became the present continents. Thus, Wegener is associated with continental drift, not with the later theories of sea-floor spreading, convection currents or plate tectonics that explained or extended the mechanism of continental movement.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Sea Floor Spreading is not Wegener's theory; Harry Hess proposed it in 1962, whereas Wegener is associated with continental drift.
- (C) Convection Current Theory is associated with Arthur Holmes, not Alfred Wegener.
- (D) Plate Tectonics was developed by multiple scientists later, in the 1960s, whereas Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in 1912.
Concept
This tests the World Geography concept of how theories explaining the distribution and movement of continents and oceans developed. It recurs in RAS because continental drift, sea-floor spreading and plate tectonics underpin physical geography questions about Earth's surface, landforms, earthquakes and ocean basins.