Alfred Wegener's writings implied that all continents had been linked to form Pangaea from the formation of the Earth until Pangaea's breakup in the Mesozoic. Modern geologists do not agree. Geologic evidence suggests that Pangaea itself was formed by the late Paleozoic collision of continents that had been separate during most of the Paleozoic and that other supercontinents had formed and broken up prior to the Paleozoic. What geologic evidence led geologists to this conclusion? (Hint: Keep in mind that modern geologists, unlike Wegener, understand that mountain belts such as the Appalachians form when two continents collide and that modern geologists, unlike Wegener, are able to determine the age of rocks using isotopic dating.)

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Theory of Pangaea

Alfred Wegener proposed that all continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea. He believed that these continents had remained connected throughout Earth's history until they had broken apart in the Mesozoic era. However, modern geologists have a different understanding based on various geologic evidences.

02

Mountain Belt Formation

One of the key pieces of evidence that contradicts Wegener's belief is the formation of mountain belts, such as the Appalachians. According to modern geologists, mountain belts are formed when two continents collide. This implies that continents must have been separate during the Paleozoic era to form these mountain belts.

03

Use of Isotopic Dating

Unlike Alfred Wegener, modern geologists are able to determine the age of rocks using isotopic dating. This method of dating involves comparing the amount of a particular radioactive isotope in a rock to that of a stable isotope. This has allowed geologists to accurately date the age of different rock formations and understand the history of continental movements throughout Earth's history instead of relying on the assumption that all continents had always been linked together.

04

Pre-Paleozoic Supercontinents

Another piece of geologic evidence suggesting that other supercontinents had formed and broken up prior to the Paleozoic is the existence of older rock formations that show continental crusts having undergone cycles of assembly and break-up. This evidence suggests that Pangaea was not the first supercontinent in Earth's history, contrary to Wegener's belief.

05

Conclusion

Based on the geologic evidence gathered by modern geologists, such as mountain belt formation and isotopic dating, it is concluded that continents had been separate during most of the Paleozoic era and that other supercontinents had existed and broken up before the Paleozoic. This contradicts Alfred Wegener's initial belief of Pangaea being the only supercontinent throughout Earth's history until its breakup in the Mesozoic era.

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