Continental Drifter Visits

Twenty years ago there raged among earth scientists a major controversy over continental drift. The "continental drifters" contended that mountain building, earthquakes and volcanoes all could be explained by large-scale motions of portions of the earth's crust. On the other side were those who said it was all nonsense--that the laws of physics precluded the relative motion of continents across the globe. As a student in a group opposed to continental drift, I well remember how valid my group's arguments sounded and how we were later proven wrong.

One of those men who proved it to us was Sir Edward Bullard, leader of a group of earth scientists in Cambridge, England. His group produced many of the ideas and concepts of plate tectonics which have led to the general acceptance of continental drift.

For Alaskans continental drift has special consequence, for it is here that crustal plates come violently together to cause our spectacular mountain scenery, volcanoes and earthquakes.

Recently, articles written by Professor Bullard on the topic appeared in the Weekender. Next week he comes to the University for a series of lecturer. Of special interest is one on continental drift to be held Thursday, April 28, at 3:45 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium. This should be an enjoyable talk since Sir Edward is a sought after public lecturer noted for his humor and the content of his talks.