The Journal of Geology, January-February 1893: A Semi-Quarterly Magazine of Geology and Related SciencesVarious
Science
The Journal of Geology, January-February 1893: A Semi-Quarterly Magazine of Geology and Related Sciences
Various
Geology -- Periodicals
It has been indicated that under certain circumstances, and in certain
relations, some of the foregoing criteria, taken singly, may be
conclusive of glaciations so distinct from each other, as to make their
reference to separate epochs proper. But where the facts and relations
which constitute one of the criteria are found, the facts and relations
constituting one or more of the others are likely to be found as
well. Where two of the foregoing criteria are found to be coexistent,
their joint force is greater than that of either one. If neither one
be absolutely conclusive, the two may still be, since the one may
exactly meet the deficiency of the other. If three or more concurrent
lines of evidence exist in any locality, the case is still further
strengthened. We maintain that several of the foregoing criteria may be
so related to each other and to the formations concerned, as not only
to make the recognition of separate ice epochs proper, but to make the
failure of such recognition altogether unscientific. Even when a single
line of evidence, or when double, or triple, or quadruple lines of
evidence are not absolutely conclusive in ruling out every conceivable
technical escape from the conclusion that there were separate ice
epochs, their cumulative and corroborative force may still be such as
to carry conviction scarcely less positive than that which mathematical
demonstration would afford. In the nature of the case not all of these
various lines of evidence could be expected to be found in any one
locality, or perhaps in any one limited geographic area, but where one
occurs, some or all of the others are liable to be found under favoring
circumstance. The number of criteria, and the great extent of area
where they may hope for application, afford great possibilities.
From the foregoing discussion, it will be readily seen that the nature
of the criteria and the limitations imposed upon their application by
the difficulty of proving stratigraphic continuity in such a formation
as the drift, necessitate the greatest care in their use, and reduce
the value of hasty and inexpert conclusions to a minimum.
IV. =Areas Where the Criteria find Readiest Application.=
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