(E) GLACIERS, GEOLOGY

(b) Geology in the Alps

The geological structure of the Alps is a subject that has occupied the labors of many eminent men of science, asserted that it will continue to offer new problems to the researched of at least another generation. There is scarcely a single difficult question regarding the nature and mode of deposition of the strata that make up the earth’s crust, and mode of elevation of mountain chains, the caused of the formation of valleys and lake basins, the action o the meteoric forces, of rivers and ice-streams, that must not be decided before we can give a rational account of the structure of the Alps. Along with these, and scarcely less important, is the study of the various agencies involved in the phenomena of metamorphism, and that of the part played by volcanic action in some parts of the chain. The study of the organic remains embedded in the rocks is not so constantly the duly of the geologist in the Alps as it is in most other mountain districts; but of late years this has been actively, pursued, and has tended to clear up many difficulties, while much room is left for further investigation. The reader is referred to the article GEOLOGY, and , with reference to detained information as to the structure of the Alps, to the list of works on alpines geology given below.





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The Alps - Table of Contents