Alfred Wegener (1880 to 1930)
Continental drift theory and other aspects of his scientific life
Scientific talk
10 December 2012, 17.45
Günther Schönharting, Alfred Wegener's grandson
Alfred Wegener was a successful and much-recognized scientist in many fields of natural science. Today he is famous for "his" theory on continental drift, which was unrecognized and unaccepted during his lifetime. He died in 1930 on the Greenland inland ice sheet, just as the 4th edition of his book on continental drift theory had been published.
In his talk, Alfred Wegener's grandson Günther Schönharting highlights the early beginning and development of the drift theory, as well as the reaction of specialists in the fields of geology and geophysics. In his personal report he describes his grandfather's love for scientific work out in nature, even for adventurous polar expeditions, in contrast to his painstakingly detailed scientific work at his desk.
The talk is part of the Colloquium held by the Department of Earth Sciences. It will be held in English.