Answer
Alfred Wegener, the proponent of the continental drift theory, accounted for the evidence of glaciers in the southern landmasses (specifically in South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica) during a time when areas in North America, Europe, and Asia supported lush tropical swamps through the concept of continental drift and the theory of a supercontinent called Pangaea.
Wegener proposed that the continents were once assembled into a single supercontinent, Pangaea, which began to break apart about 200 million years ago. According to his theory, the southern landmasses were positioned near the South Pole as part of Pangaea, and they experienced cooler climates that were conducive to glaciation.
During the time of Pangaea, the northern landmasses (North America, Europe, and Asia) were located closer to the equator and experienced warmer climates, supporting lush tropical swamps and forests. As the continents gradually drifted apart, the southern landmasses moved towards their current positions near the South Pole, leading to the formation of glaciers due to the colder polar conditions.
Wegener's explanation of glaciation in the southern landmasses aligned with the geological and paleontological evidence of glaciation, such as glacial deposits and striations, found in these regions. The presence of glacial features in areas that are currently characterized by warm or tropical climates suggested that these regions had once been located at higher latitudes.
While Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially met with skepticism, it laid the foundation for the development of plate tectonics theory, which explains the movement and interactions of Earth's lithospheric plates. Today, plate tectonics is widely accepted as the driving force behind the movement of continents and the geological processes that shape our planet.
Work Step by Step
Alfred Wegener, the proponent of the continental drift theory, accounted for the evidence of glaciers in the southern landmasses (specifically in South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica) during a time when areas in North America, Europe, and Asia supported lush tropical swamps through the concept of continental drift and the theory of a supercontinent called Pangaea.
Wegener proposed that the continents were once assembled into a single supercontinent, Pangaea, which began to break apart about 200 million years ago. According to his theory, the southern landmasses were positioned near the South Pole as part of Pangaea, and they experienced cooler climates that were conducive to glaciation.
During the time of Pangaea, the northern landmasses (North America, Europe, and Asia) were located closer to the equator and experienced warmer climates, supporting lush tropical swamps and forests. As the continents gradually drifted apart, the southern landmasses moved towards their current positions near the South Pole, leading to the formation of glaciers due to the colder polar conditions.
Wegener's explanation of glaciation in the southern landmasses aligned with the geological and paleontological evidence of glaciation, such as glacial deposits and striations, found in these regions. The presence of glacial features in areas that are currently characterized by warm or tropical climates suggested that these regions had once been located at higher latitudes.
While Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially met with skepticism, it laid the foundation for the development of plate tectonics theory, which explains the movement and interactions of Earth's lithospheric plates. Today, plate tectonics is widely accepted as the driving force behind the movement of continents and the geological processes that shape our planet.
