Essay on the Theory of the EarthCuvier, Georges, baron
Science
Essay on the Theory of the Earth
Cuvier, Georges, baron
Geology; Paleontology
It results from an accurate comparison of these loose blocks with
those mountain rocks which occur in extensive chains in the high
Alps; that the loose blocks of every known river basin agree with
the rocks which form the sides of the upper parts of those high
Alpine valleys, which are in immediate connection with these great
water basins. Thus the loose blocks of the water basin of the Rhine
are similar to the rocks of Bundten. We find in the Lake of Zurich,
and in the Limmat valley, the rocks of the Glarner land in loose
blocks. The debris in the basin of the Reuss consists of rocks of the
mountains from which the Reuss takes its rise. The loose blocks of
the water basin of the Aare are similar to the mountain rocks of the
high Alps of Bern; and the loose blocks, found in the course of the
Rhone, occur in fixed rocks in the Vallais.
It thus appears that the loose blocks are by no means irregularly
dispersed over the great valley between the Alps and the Jura, but
are distributed in the direction of distinct water basins. It also
appears, that the loose blocks are not irregularly distributed in
these different basins; on the contrary, that, in some parts of the
basin, they are accumulated in great numbers; in other places they
are rare, and in some situations none occur.
From the preceding observations, we may obtain some hints of
importance in respect of the cause of this remarkable phenomenon.
These loose blocks already occur in the alpine valleys, which open
into the great valley, between the Alps and the Jura. They are found
more abundantly in the wide parts of valleys immediately below the
narrow or contracted passes, and few occur in the narrow, steep, and
rocky parts of the valleys.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account