Études sur les glaciers

The revolutionary glacial theory, proposed in this work of 1840, contributed to the demise of the myth of the great biblical flood.

Louis Agassiz (Author)

9781108049764, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 July 2012

362 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2 cm, 0.46 kg

Swiss-born zoologist, geologist and paleontologist Louis Agassiz (1807–73) was among the foremost scientists of his day. When he took up the study of glaciology and glacial geomorphology in Switzerland in 1836, he recorded evidence left by former glaciers, such as glacial erratics, drumlins and rock scouring and scratching. In this work, published in 1840, he proposed a revolutionary ice-age theory, according to which, glaciers are the remaining portions of sheets of ice which once covered the earth. His radical suggestion undermined the hypothesis that landscape features were the result of a great biblical flood. Although Agassiz's invaluable work led some to acclaim him as the 'father' of glacial theory, critics have cited the contributions of others, including Jean de Charpentier and Karl Schimper. The book also describes the features of active glaciers, including ice tables, ice pinnacles and moraines.

Preface
1. Aperçu historique sur l'étude des glaciers
2. Des glaciers en général
3. De la surface des glaciers
4. De l'aspect extérieur des glaciers
5. De la couleur des glaciers
6. Des crevasses des glaciers
7. Des aiguilles de glace
8. Des moraines
9. Des tables des glaciers
10. Des cones graveleux des glaciers
11. De la formation des glaciers
12. Du mouvement des glaciers
13. De la surface inférieure des glaciers et des cavités
14. De l'action des glaciers sur leur fond
15. De la température des glaciers et des eaux du sol
16. Des oscillations des glaciers dans les temps historiques
17. De l'ancienne extension des glaciers dans les Alpes
18. Preuves de l'existance de grandes nappes de glace en dehors de l'enceinte des Alpes.

Subject Areas: Geological surface processes [geomorphology RBGD]