Alfred Wegener

Alfred Wegener was born in Germany in 1880. He studied the weather and the Earth. He noticed that the shapes of continents seem to fit together. He said they were once one big land. His idea is called continental drift.

Moving Continents

Wegener saw that Africa and South America looked like puzzle pieces. He also found the same plant fossils on both lands. He said all continents used to be joined in one big piece called Pangaea. Many scientists did not believe him at first. Years later, he was proven right.

Adventures in the Arctic

Wegener loved to go on expeditions. He made many trips to icy Greenland. He studied the weather and ice there. Sadly, he died during a trip to Greenland in 1930. He was a brave scientist who never stopped exploring.

Fun Facts

• He once flew a hot air balloon for 52 hours, a world record at the time.
• He named the old super-continent 'Pangaea,' which means 'all land.'
• He was both a scientist and a polar explorer.

Did You Know?

Wegener's idea was laughed at when he was alive. Today, every student learns about continental drift in school.