Rock the ASBOG Exam 2025 – Dig Deep into Geology Greatness!

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Who is credited with developing the theory of continental drift?

Charles Lyell

Alfred Wegener

The theory of continental drift is credited to Alfred Wegener, who proposed the idea in the early 20th century. Wegener's theory was based on a variety of observations, including the fit of continental coastlines, the distribution of fossils across different continents, and geological similarities between countries that are now separated by oceans. His hypothesis suggested that continents were once part of a single landmass, called Pangaea, which gradually drifted apart over millions of years.

Wegener's work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of plate tectonics, which describes the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates and explains many geological processes. His ideas were initially met with skepticism, as he could not provide a convincing mechanism for this drift, but they were eventually substantiated by later research and evidence. The other individuals listed are significant in the history of geology but are not associated with the development of the theory of continental drift.

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James Hutton

Henry Moseley

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