In high school, students learn that the continents have not been stationary throughout Earth's history. On the contrary, they are constantly moving. Alfred Wegener was the scientist who presented the theory of continental drift on January 6, 1921. This proposal revolutionized the history of science by modifying the concept of Earth's dynamics. Since the implementation of this theory of continental movement, the configuration of the Earth and its oceans has been completely altered.
Learn more about the life of the man who developed this important and controversial theory. Keep reading to find out more
Alfred Wegener and his vocation
Theory of continental drift
Wegener was a soldier in the German army, a professor of meteorology, and a first-class traveler. Although the theory he expounded was related to geology, the meteorologist perfectly understood the conditions of the Earth's internal layers and based it on scientific evidence. He was able to coherently construct the movement of the continents, relying on quite bold geological evidence.
Not only geological evidence, but also biological, paleontological, meteorological, and geophysical evidence. Wegener had to conduct in-depth studies on Earth's pelomagnetism. These studies have served as the foundation for the current theory of plate tectonics. It is true that Alfred Wegener was able to develop the theory by which continents can move. However, he did not have a convincing explanation of what force is capable of doing so.
Therefore, after various studies based on the theory of continental drift, ocean floor observations, and Earth's paleomagnetism, plate tectonics emerged. Unlike what is currently understood, Alfred Wegener thought in terms of the movement of continents, not tectonic plates. This idea was, and remains, shocking because, if true, it would produce catastrophic results for humankind. Furthermore, it involved the audacity of imagining a colossal force responsible for displacing entire continents. If this were to happen, it would mean the complete reshaping of the Earth and its oceans over geological time.
Although he could not find the reason why the continents move, he had great merit in gathering all the possible evidence in his time to establish this movement.
History and beginnings
When Wegener first entered the world of science, he was eager to explore Greenland. He was also drawn to a relatively new field: meteorology . At that time, measuring the atmospheric patterns responsible for many storms and winds was far more complex and less precise. Even so, Wegener was determined to venture into this new science. In preparation for his Antarctic expeditions, he participated in long-distance walking programs. He also mastered the use of kites and balloons for meteorological observations.
He improved his aeronautical skills and technique, to the point of achieving a world record in 1906, alongside his brother Kurt. The record he set was flying for 52 hours without interruption. All this training paid off when he was chosen as meteorologist for a Danish expedition that departed for northeast Greenland. The expedition lasted almost two years.
During Wegener's time in Greenland, he undertook a variety of scientific studies on meteorology, geology, and glaciology. Hence, it could be correctly formed to establish the evidence that would refute continental drift. During the expedition he had some impediments and fatalities, but they did not prevent him from acquiring a great reputation. He was considered a competent expeditionary, as well as a polar traveler.
When he returned to Germany, he had amassed large volumes of meteorological and climatological observations. In 1912, he undertook another expedition, this time to Greenland. He traveled with the Danish explorer J.P. Koch, completing a long trek on foot across the ice sheet.
After continental drift
Little is said about what Alfred Wegener did after his discovery of continental drift. In 1927, he decided to undertake another expedition to Greenland with the support of the German Research Association. Given the experience and reputation he had gained with the theory of continental drift, he was the ideal candidate to lead the expedition.
The primary objective was to construct a weather station that would allow for systematic climate measurements. This would provide more information about storms and their effects on transatlantic flights. Other objectives were also established in the fields of meteorology and glaciology to understand why continents move, as well as to study the Appalachian Mountains.
The most important expedition until then was carried out in the year 1929. With this investigation, a fairly relevant data was obtained for the time in which they were. And it is that it was possible to know that the thickness of ice exceeded 1800 meters deep.
His last expedition
The fourth and final expedition took place in 1930 and faced great difficulties from the outset. Supplies for the inland installations did not arrive on time. Winter arrived with a vengeance, prompting Alfred Wegener to work diligently to establish a base for shelter. The area was plagued by strong winds and heavy snowfall, which led to the desertion of the hired Greenlanders. This weather system posed a serious threat to their survival.
The few who were left over Wegener had to suffer during the month of September. With hardly any provisions, they arrived at the station in October with one of their companions almost frozen. He was unable to continue the journey. A desperate situation in which no food or fuel (there was only for two people of the five there were).
Since supplies were depleted, it was necessary to search for more. Wegener and his companion Rasmus Villumsen were the ones who returned to the coast. Alfred celebrated his fiftieth birthday on November 1, 1930 , and set out the following morning for supplies. During this search, it was learned that there were strong gusts of wind and temperatures of -50°C. After that, they were never seen alive again. Wegener's body was found under the snow on May 8, 1931, wrapped in his sleeping bag. Neither his body nor his diary, which would have contained his last thoughts, could be recovered.
His body is still there, slowly descending into a huge glacier, which will one day float like an iceberg.
