Continental Drift Theory: A Comprehensive Analysis for UPSC Mains
The Continental Drift Theory is a foundational concept in geology, proposing that Earth's continents have not always been in their current positions b
Continental Drift Theory: A Comprehensive Analysis for UPSC Mains Introduction
The Continental Drift Theory is a foundational concept in geology, proposing that Earth's continents have not always been in their current positions but have drifted over geological time. This revolutionary idea was first presented by the German meteorologist Alfred Wegener in 1912. His hypothesis marked a significant departure from the static Earth models of the past, introducing the concept of a dynamic and evolving planet. About Continental Drift Theory
Wegener's Continental Drift Theory suggested that all the continents were once part of a single massive supercontinent called Pangaea , which existed around 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. Over time, Pangaea began to break apart into two large landmasses: Laurasia in the northern hemisphere and Gondwana in the southern hemisphere. These eventually fragmented further into the continents we see today. Wegener pro…