The Dillon tribune. [volume] (Dillon, Mont.) 1881-1941, 1886-10-15
THE CAUSE OF EARTHQUAKES
written for the Dillon rRIBlNE.)

| Written for the Dillon TRIBuNE.)
The frequent occurrence Of earthquakes
which have been experienced of late in
various sections of the United States, but
more particularly at Charleston, South
Carolina where it has been attended with
great destruction both TO life and property,
has led Il number Of our scientists to give
expression to their opinions in regard ia
these perturbations OF the earth. How
ever plausible their views may appear to
some persons, they seem to predicate their
theories upon false premises.
! If allowed to express my opinion in re-
regard to these earth disturbances, will
offer theory, which think will appear
more reasonable as it has mucl, broader
| and sounder basis for its support. It is q
| fact we'll known to ,nineralogists and 9th.
ers, that in various parts Of the world, there
exists in the bowels Of the earth, vast bod.
les Of mineral matters mostly In the sta'e
Of sulPhides, or sulphor combined witt,
one or more Of the various metals. Now
when water is brought in contact With
these ores, chemical change takes place.
The oxygen Of the water uaites with the
sulphur Of the sulphides to form
sulphuric acid which in turn acts upon
the oxides to lorna compounds Of
the metals, while the hydrogen gas
being Sc: free from tire oxygen Of the
water, by its expansibility and powerful
force, cxerts an upward pressure Of the
earth, in proportion to the volume OF gas
eliminated. The changes which are con.
stantly going on in these beds Of sulphids,
produce an intense degree Of heat, which
in time, not only melts the ores, but all
kinds Of mineral matter coming within the
sphere Of its influence. The larger the
body Of molten matter there is, the more
powerful will be the shocks Of earthquakes,
as a much greater quantity Of water is
constantly flowing into this cauldron Of
sect'aing lava, and ever and anon, throwing
up Immense quantities of hydrogen gas,
sufficient to convulse the earth. sometimes
for a thousand or more miles distant from
the centre Of its operations. In both
North and South Carolina there is known
to be extensive deposits of auriterous
pyrites, which are now undergoing this
chemical change, and it is from this cause
that the frequent rumblings and violent
earthquakes are felt from time to time.
Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, Mt. Etna in Sicily
and Mt. Hecla in Iceland, together with
all the known volcanoes throughout all
the world have been produced by the same
chemical changes, that are constantly 60
ing on in the bowels Of old mother earth.
We have indubitable evidence of there
having existed at some remote period of
past, near Wytheville, Wythe Co., Va,
volcano, which threw out from its interior,
large quantities of black basaltic lava that
may now be seen at the base Of the Blue
Ridge mountains at that place. AS other
evidences Of this fact, may mention the
hot springs at Bath, Berkeley county,
Va, the splitting asunecr Of the ridge of
mountains near st. Rohn's Run, and the
throwing out from its sides, block Of
stone, which measures in its longer dame
ter about eighty feet, and in its shorter,
about fifty feet. This vast body Of rock
lies upon the side Of the mountain some
..fty feet or more from its summit. The
rock is nearly square, and from its general
contour It will be plainly seen, that 1t
formed an integral portion Of the mountain,
and that it would exactly fit the open space
which it had left in the side of this portion
Of the Blue Ridge mountains.
These facts, with many others that
might be adduced in support of this theory,
give incontestible proof of there having
been in this part Of Virginia, volcano in
an active state Of eruption.
r. II. LAWRENCE, NJ. u.