Hans Stille

Hans Stille proposed that Earth's major mountain-building phases, known as orogenies, occurred simultaneously and cyclically across the globe. This theory contrasted heavily with the later, widely accepted concept of continuous plate tectonics.

Stille believed that geological deformation happened in brief, worldwide, and simultaneous bursts separated by long periods of tectonic calm. Modern geology instead relies on the continuous, asynchronous movement of tectonic plates.

Hans Stille was a highly influential German geologist who published his major tectonic theories throughout the early and mid-20th century. He remained a prominent, albeit controversial, figure in international geology until his death in 1966.

No, Stille was famously opposed to Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift, which was the precursor to modern plate tectonics. Instead, he advocated for a contracting Earth model to explain his proposed global orogenic phases.