Which scientist was pivotal in the development of the concept of continental drift?

Alfred Wegener was a pivotal figure in the development of the concept of continental drift, which he proposed in the early 20th century. He suggested that continents were once part of a single landmass, called Pangaea, which gradually broke apart and drifted to their current locations. This idea, presented in his 1912 work, was based on several lines of evidence, including the fit of continental coastlines, fossil distribution across continents, and geological similarities on different landmasses.

Wegener's concept challenged existing paradigms about Earth's geology and was initially met with skepticism. However, his ideas laid the groundwork for the later acceptance of plate tectonics, which provided a more comprehensive explanation for the movement of continents. His contributions are crucial in understanding how the Earth's surface is shaped over time and the mechanisms that drive continental movement, thus making him a central figure in the study of Earth sciences related to tectonics.