1931/01/01 by Arthur Holmes · 6 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Planetary Science and Exploration
paper · doi:10.1144/transglas.18.3.559
openalex publication_date 1931/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
I.—TECTONIC HYPOTHESES. Both external and internal geological processes are controlled by gravity and the earth's bodily movements. The circulations of matter which constitute the external processes are maintained by energy derived from the sun, whereas the internal processes derive much of their energy from the earth's internal heat, the latter being partly an inheritance, and partly an income supplied by atomic disintegration. Hypotheses relating to the physical causes of earth movements must take all the relevant factors into consideration as fully as the data permit. At present there is a plethora of hypotheses in the field, some of which are mutually contradictory. Much of this confusion is a result of lack of data, and is temporarily unavoidable; on the other hand a good deal is unnecessary, and has been introduced by exaggerating the effects of certain factors while ignoring those of others. The most remarkable example of a neglected source of geological energy is the heat generated by the radioactive elements. Outside the British Isles there has been little recognition of the importance of this factor, and it is therefore hardly a matter for surprise that hypotheses in which it is ignored should prove to be inadequate. Among the forces to which appeal has been made are the following (21):— Gravitational: Cosmic Stresses set up by Terrestrial Stresses set This 250-word extract was created in the absence of an abstract