The Coming Ice AgeTaber, C. A. M. (Charles Austin Mendell)
Science
The Coming Ice Age
Taber, C. A. M. (Charles Austin Mendell)
Glacial epoch
I have pointed out the manner in which the superior oceans in the
southern hemisphere are obtaining a lower temperature, and how
they impart their coldness to the tropical currents, and in this
way slowly cool the waters of all oceans. Thus it appears that the
northern temperate zone, with all other parts of the earth, is slowly
approaching a cold epoch.
Several writers on climatic changes have expressed their views as to
the number of glacial and mild periods that have been perfected since
the conditions have been favorable for their appearance on the globe.
According to my views, while considering the reasons for the occurrence
of the great glacial periods which have left such extensive traces on
the land, it seems certain that two very cold epochs have possessed
the earth, separated by a warm period; and, possibly, other preceding
cold epochs of less intensity have possessed the high latitudes, with
intervening periods of mildness. But the earlier cold periods, if they
ever existed, were comparatively short, because the Cape Horn channel
during such times possessed less capacity than in the later periods,
and, therefore, was more easily and quickly obstructed by the natural
methods previously explained.
Consequently, the independent circulation of the southern ocean was
sooner arrested than during the later epoch, when the channel had
become enlarged by erosion from heavy glaciers and icebergs; and
meanwhile the same conditions may have governed the arctic channels
which give an independent circulation to the arctic waters which
surround Greenland, and thus, in connection with cold epochs in the
southern hemisphere, have caused periods of cold of small intensity to
occur in the high northern latitudes, and it may happen in the future
that more ice periods will be perfected than the one now progressing.
Still, it is well to bear in mind that the Cape Horn channel, which
is the real cause of glacial periods having occurred in both the
northern and southern hemispheres, in the manner previously explained,
is being made wider and deeper during each succeeding ice age. For
this reason the latest cold epoch will require a longer continuance
of cold to obstruct the channel than the cold period preceding.
Therefore, it appears that the time will come when there will be such
great accumulations of ice stored on the land and in the sea before
the enlarged Cape Horn channel can be closed that, when it is closed,
there will not be sufficient warmth remaining in the tropical seas to
unite with the sun’s rays to subdue the intense cold stored in the
immense gatherings of ice. And thus the earth, which began its career
with a warm temperature, and so continued for long ages, will finally
terminate in an endless glacial age.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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