Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century. He couldn't prove it definitively during his lifetime due to a lack of understanding of plate tectonics, but he presented compelling evidence. Here are some of the key ways he attempted to prove his theory:

1. The Fit of Continents:

* Jigsaw Puzzle Fit: Wegener noticed that the coastlines of South America and Africa fit together like puzzle pieces. This observation, particularly when considering the continental shelves, strongly suggested that these landmasses were once connected.

2. Fossil Evidence:

* Similar Fossils on Different Continents: Wegener found fossils of identical species of plants and animals on continents now separated by vast oceans. For example, the fossil remains of the reptile Mesosaurus were found in both South America and Africa, which would have been impossible if the continents had always been in their current locations.

3. Rock Formations and Geological Structures:

* Matching Rock Formations: Similar geological structures and rock formations were observed on different continents, further suggesting a past connection. For example, the Appalachian Mountains in North America have similar rock types and structures as those found in the Scottish Highlands.

* Mountain Ranges: Wegener observed that mountain ranges often seemed to continue across continents, suggesting they were once formed as a single chain.

4. Climate Evidence:

* Glacial Deposits: Glacial deposits were found in areas that are now tropical or subtropical, suggesting that these continents were once located in colder regions. This supported the idea of continental movement.

* Coal Deposits: Coal deposits, formed from ancient tropical forests, were found in regions with cold climates, suggesting that those areas had been previously located in warmer regions.

5. Paleoclimate Evidence:

* Evidence of Past Climates: Wegener studied paleoclimatic data, such as the distribution of ancient coral reefs and deserts, which indicated that continents had been located in different positions in the past.

Limitations of Wegener's Evidence:

* Lack of a Mechanism: Wegener couldn't explain *how* the continents drifted. He proposed a "continental drift" mechanism based on tidal forces and the Earth's rotation, but these explanations were not convincing to the scientific community.

* Lack of Detailed Scientific Data: Wegener’s work relied heavily on observational evidence, and detailed scientific data like paleomagnetic data and sonar mapping of ocean floors were not available at the time.

While Wegener's ideas were initially met with skepticism and resistance, his work laid the foundation for the development of the theory of plate tectonics, which provides a much more comprehensive and scientifically supported explanation for continental drift.