Drift Theory of Wegener was postulated mainly to explain, which one of the following? (A)  Ice Age and Glacial movements (B)  Geological similarities of the coasts and Glaciations (C)  Distribution of landforms and ocean floors (D)  Major climatic changes in the world Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Drift Theory of Wegener was postulated mainly to explain, which one of the following? (A)  Ice Age and Glacial movements (B)  Geological similarities of the coasts and Glaciations (C)  Distribution of landforms and ocean floors (D)  Major climatic changes in the world Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below: Correct Answer (B) and (D) only

Professor Alfred Wegener of Germany was primarily a meteorologist. He propounded his concept of continental drift in the year 1912 but it could not come to light till 1922 when he elaborated his concept in a book entitled ‘Die Entstechung der Kontinente and Ozeane’ and his book was translated into English in 1924.

Key Points

• As stated earlier the main aim of Wegener behind the postulation of his ‘drift theory’ was to explain major climatic changes which are reported to have taken place in the past geological history of the earth, such as the Carboniferous glaciation of major parts of the Gondwanaland.
• Besides, Wegener also attempted to solve other problems of the earth e.g., the origin of mountains, island arcs and festoons, origin, and evolu­tion of continents and ocean basins, etc.
• The climatic changes which have occurred around the globe may be explained in two ways
• If the continents remained stationary at their places throughout the geological history of the earth, the climatic zones might have shifted from one region to another region and thus a particular region might have experienced varying climatic conditions from time to time.
• If the climatic zones remained stationary the landmasses might have been displaced and drifted.
• The evidence of carboniferous glaciation of Brazil, Falkland, South Africa, Peninsular India, Aus­tralia, and Antarctica further proves the unification of all landmasses in one landmass (Pangaea) during the carbon­iferous period.
• The South Pole was located near the present position of Durban in Natal.
• Thus, the South Pole was located in the middle of Pangaea.
• Consequently, ice sheets might have spread from the South Pole outward at the time of glaciation and the aforesaid land areas, which were closer to the South Pole, might have been covered with thick ice sheets.

Hence, the correct answer is (B) and (D) only