Fit between Africa and Antarctica: A Continental Drift Reconstruction

A computerized (smallest average misfit) best fit position is obtained for the juxtaposition of Africa and Antarctica in a continental drift reconstruction. An S-shaped portion of the Weddell and Princess Martha Coast regions of western East Antarctica is fitted into a similar profile along southeas...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science
Main Authors: Dietz, Robert S., Sproll, Walter P.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 1970
Subjects:
East Antarctica
Weddell
Princess Martha Coast
Antarc*
Antarctica
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.167.3925.1612
https://www.science.org/doi/pdf/10.1126/science.167.3925.1612
Description
Summary:A computerized (smallest average misfit) best fit position is obtained for the juxtaposition of Africa and Antarctica in a continental drift reconstruction. An S-shaped portion of the Weddell and Princess Martha Coast regions of western East Antarctica is fitted into a similar profile along southeastern Africa. The total amount of overlap is 36,300 square kilometers, and the underlap is 23,600 square kilometers; the total mismatch is thus of 59,900 square kilometers. The congruency along the 1000-fathom isobath is remarkably good and suggests that this reconstruction is valid within the overall framework of the Gondwana supercontinent.

Similar Items