2.1.3. Criticism of Wegener’s Theory

It is clear that Wegener had amassed an imposing array of evidences in support of his theory and some of this evidence was undeniably convincing. But so much of theory was based on speculation and inadequate evidence that it provoked a lot of criticism and controversy.

(a) The greatest criticism has been the force of continental drift proposed by him. Tidal force need to be ten thousand million times stronger than at present to move the continents.

(b) Wegener proposed that Rockies and Andies mountain chain are formed during the westward drift of Americas. But if the SIAL (continents) is floating over SIMA (ocean floor), then the SIMA could not offer so much resistance as to cause folds and build mountain system.

(c) The jig-saw-fit of the opposing coasts of Atlantic Ocean was not so complete.

(d) Though there was similarity in the structural and stratigraphical features of the two coasts of the Atlantic, it would not be quite correct to conclude that one was an extension of the other and that they were joined together.