GEOL 1303 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Geodesy, Analog Science Fiction And Fact, Thermoremanent Magnetization
Document Summary
1960"s great revolution in thinking shook the world of geology. In the 16th and 17th century european scientists noted the jigsaw puzzle fit of the coasts on both sides of atlantic ocean. Eduard suess close of 19th century austrian geologist southern continents formed a supercontinent called gondwanaland. Alfred wegener 1915- german meteorologist; postulated a supercontinent called. Pangaea, that broke up into continents as we know them today; his hypothesis as to rates of drift were way to fast caused him ridicule. But, he offered good arguments based on fossil and climatological data: mesosaurus & glacial deposits. Convincing evidence began to emerge as a result of extensive exploration of seafloor after world war ii. *discovery of midatlantic ridge and deep crack or rift running down the center. Some thought the earth to be expanding if new ocean floor created at midocean rifts.