XV. On the structure and motion of glaciers

Abstract

In a lecture given at the Royal Institution on the 6th of June, by Mr. Tyndall, 1856, certain views regarding the origin of slaty cleavage were brought forward, and afterwards reported in the ‘Proceedings’ of the Institution. A short time subsequently, the attention of the lecturer was drawn by Mr. Huxley to the observations of Professor J. D. Forbes on the veined or laminar structure of glacier ice, and the surmise was expressed, that the same explanation might apply to it as to slaty cleavage. On consulting the observations referred to, the probability of the surmise seemed apparent, and the result was a mutual arrangement to visit some of the Swiss glaciers, for the purpose of observing the structure of the ice. This arrangement was carried out, the field of observation comprising the glaciers of Grindelwald, the Aar, and the Rhone. After returning to England, the one in whose department it more immediately lay, followed up the inquiry, which gradually expanded, until at length it touched the main divisions of the problem of glacier structure and motion. An account of the experiments and observations, and our joint reflections on them, are embodied in the memoir now submitted to the Royal Society.