VI.—The Mechanics of Overthrusts

Abstract

In attempts to unravel some of the weightier problems of geology it has lately been assumed that certain discordances of stratification are due to the thrusting of old rocks over those of a later geological age. Without in any way suggesting that the geology has in any particular instance been misread, I should like to point out the difficulties in accepting the explanation looked at from a dynamical point of view when applied on a scale that seems to ignore mechanical probabilities. Some of the enormous overthrusts postulated are estimated at figures approaching 100 miles. Have the authors considered that this means the movement of a solid block of rock or rocks of unknown length and thickness 100 miles over the underlying complex of newer rocks? If such a movement has ever taken place, would it not require an incalculable force to thrust the upper block over the lower, even with a clean fractured bed to move upon? Assuming that the block to be moved is the same length as the overthrust, the fracture-plane would in area be 100 × 100 = 10,000 miles. I venture to think that no force applied in any of the mechanical ways known to us in Nature would move such a mass, be it ever so adjusted in thickness to the purpose, even if supplemented with a lubricant generously applied to the thrust-plane. These are the thoughts that naturally occur to me, but as my mind is quite open to receive new ideas I shall be glad to know in what way the reasoning can be met by other thinkers.