Continental Flotation and Drift

Abstract

THE theory that the continents have shifted their positions during geological time and, possibly, are still in motion has lately excited much discussion. The principal obstacle to its acceptance is the difficulty of adducing a force adequate to bring about the movements. Many years ago Osmond Fisher (“Physics of the Earth's Crust” p. 339) ascribed general continental movements of this kind (accounting for the Atlantic rift, etc.) to the disturbance of the Pacific basin due to the genesis of the moon, on Darwin's well-known theory. Lately, Wegener has brought forward much evidence in favour of continental movements. But I do not think he has discovered any adequate source of the motion. The polefluchtkraft is too feeble; it is purely meridional in direction and is inconsistent with the existing distribution of the land. It is probably ineffective. A differential soli-lunar attraction on the emergent features of the continents is obviously inadequate. The fact is Wegener works out the theory on the basis of a westerly drift of the continents. In doing so I think he is in error. An adequate force appears available provided an easterly drift is postulated; and so far as I can see the theory grows in probability when examined from the new point of view.