1. The Father of Continental Drift
Alfred Wegener, born in Berlin on November 1, 1880, was a German scientist and meteorologist who is best known for his theory of continental drift. He received his PhD in astronomy from the University of Berlin in 1904, and went on to become a professor of meteorology at the University of Marburg in 1912. Wegener's groundbreaking theory of continental drift proposed that the Earth's continents had once been joined together and had since drifted apart, and was met with much skepticism when it was first presented in 1912. Despite the initial resistance, Wegener's theory eventually gained acceptance and is now considered a cornerstone of modern geology.
Also → George Gaylord Simpson: A Controversial Paleontologist
Advertisement2. The Father of Continental Drift
In 1905, Alfred Wegener joined the Aeronautischen Observatorium Lindenberg as an assistant. His first major expedition was to Greenland in 1906, where he conducted meteorological studies. During this expedition, Wegener collected data on air pressure, temperature, and humidity, which he used to create a detailed map of the atmosphere over Greenland. This data was later used to help develop the theory of continental drift, which Wegener proposed in 1912.
Also → Alfred Kinsey: Pioneering Sexologist
3. A Scientist Who Changed the World
Alfred Wegener, the renowned German scientist, was a lecturer in meteorology, applied astronomy and cosmic physics at the University of Marburg from 1908 to 1914. During this time, he made significant contributions to the fields of meteorology, astronomy and physics, including his groundbreaking theory of continental drift. His work at the University of Marburg laid the foundation for his later achievements, and his legacy continues to influence the scientific community today.
Also → Max von Laue: A Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist
4. Alfred Wegener's Continental Drift Hypothesis
In 1912, Alfred Wegener presented his revolutionary hypothesis on continental drift at a session of the Feologischen Verinigung at the Senckenberg-Museum in Frankfurt. This was a groundbreaking moment in the history of geology, as Wegener proposed that the continents had once been joined together and had since drifted apart. His hypothesis was met with skepticism at the time, but it would eventually become the foundation of the modern theory of plate tectonics.
Also → Earth's Continents Shifting Rapidly
Advertisement5. Alfred Wegener's Second Greenland Expedition
In 1913, Alfred Wegener returned to Greenland for a second time to further his exploration and studies. He was determined to uncover the secrets of the Arctic, and his expedition was a success. He collected a wealth of data on the region's geology, climate, and wildlife, and his findings helped to shape our understanding of the Arctic today. Wegener's work in Greenland was a major contribution to the field of polar exploration and research.
Also → James Hutton: The Father of Modern Geology
6. Alfred Wegener's Service in the War
In 1914, Alfred Wegener was drafted into the War and, unfortunately, was wounded and discharged the same year. However, he still served the army weather service until the end of the War, demonstrating his commitment to the cause despite his injury.
Also → Charles Lyell: A Pioneer in Geology
7. The Impact of Alfred Wegener's Theory of Continental Drift
In 1915, Alfred Wegener published the first version of his groundbreaking book, "The Origin of Continents and Oceans". This book proposed the revolutionary idea of continental drift, which was met with much skepticism at the time. Wegener revised and republished the book in 1922, further developing his theory and providing more evidence to support it. This book is now considered a classic in the field of geology and has had a lasting impact on the scientific community.
Also → Thomas Burnet's radical theory of the Earth
Advertisement8. A Life in Science
In 1921, Alfred Wegener joined Hamburg University as a senior lecturer, and three years later, in 1924, he was appointed professor of Meteorology and Geophysics at the University of Graz. His expertise in the fields of meteorology and geophysics was highly sought after, and his appointment to the University of Graz was a testament to his knowledge and experience. Wegener's appointment to the University of Graz marked the beginning of a long and successful career in the fields of meteorology and geophysics.
Also → Kristian Birkeland's revolutionary theory about the aurora
9. Alfred Wegener's Third Greenland Trip
In 1929, Alfred Wegener made his third trip to Greenland to further his research on geological features. He was determined to uncover the secrets of the Earth's structure and composition, and this trip was a crucial step in his journey. Wegener spent months in Greenland, studying the land and its features, and collecting data that would help him to understand the Earth's history. His research was groundbreaking, and his findings would eventually lead to the development of the theory of continental drift.
Also → Lorentz Leaves Leiden: Father of Relativity Resigns
10. A German Polar Explorer
Alfred Wegener, a German polar explorer, tragically passed away in November 1930 while on his fourth expedition to Greenland. His mission was to collect evidence to support his theory of continental drift, which he had proposed in 1912. Wegener's untimely death was a great loss to the scientific community, as his groundbreaking research was never fully realized.
