Fit between Africa and Antarctica: A Continental Drift Reconstruction

• 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

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.