Here's why:
* Lack of a mechanism: Wegener couldn't explain *how* continents moved. He proposed a theory of continental drift, but couldn't explain the forces that could cause such a movement.
* Insufficient evidence: While Wegener had compelling evidence (like the fit of continents, similar fossils, and matching geological formations), it wasn't considered strong enough to convince the scientific community.
However, Wegener's work was crucial in laying the foundation for the theory of Plate Tectonics. This theory, which emerged in the 1960s, built upon Wegener's ideas and provided the necessary explanations for continental movement:
* Seafloor Spreading: The discovery of mid-ocean ridges and the concept of seafloor spreading provided the mechanism for continental movement.
* Convection currents: The theory also explained the driving force behind plate movement - convection currents in the Earth's mantle.
Today, the theory of Plate Tectonics is universally accepted by the scientific community. It has been further corroborated by extensive evidence, including:
* Magnetic striping patterns on the ocean floor
* GPS measurements showing plate movements
* Seismic activity along plate boundaries
* Volcanic activity
So, while Wegener's initial theory was initially rejected, his work paved the way for the widely accepted theory of Plate Tectonics, which is the modern explanation for how continents move.
