The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1915-03-25
Origin of Earthquakes.

The intelligent investigation OF
earthquakes dates back only to the
middle of the nineteenth century.
Since the application has been such
as to develop new science-that OF
seismology. Earthquakes have oc-
CURED all through the ages, or at
least as far as there is record.
Mention is frequent in the Oldest eX-
amples of literature. And always
the occurrence of earth disturbances
has carried with it terror for hu-
manity and often a tremendous loss
in life and property. Earthquakes,
contrary to a popular belief, are not
confined to any particular type OF
country. Nor are they as infrequent
as they would seem to be. The
earth's crust is often in motion.
Earthquakes are, of course, more
violent in certain districts, but these
districts are not peculiar. They have
no DISTINGUISHING lSdtulS-
Mai. c. E. Dutton says that three
theories still have believers. One IS
that earthquakes are caused by over
throws or collapses of the ground;
another is that volcanoes are respon-
sible; the third is that the interior
heat of the earth, and possibly the
action OF the tides, are responsible.
None of these theories has been en-
tirely discredited. Earthquakes ap-
pear to be due to each of the three
causes. The volcanic theory goes
hack as far as Aristotle. While it is
true that volcanic explosions are &C
companied by a trembling OF the
earth, it sometimes happens. says
the Encyclopedia Britannica, that
mountains blow off their heads and
shoulders and yet cause quakes to be
felt only few miles. In Italy the
disturbances of Vesuvius and Aetna
have been accompanied by shocks.
But at the same time these shocks
have not been really dangerous. The
Lisbon earthquake of 1855. flor eX-
ample, occurred at a point far re-
mote from an active volcano. Earth
ouakes have occurred the Hima-
layas and Andes. These are explain
ed through the assumption that botn
these mountain ranges are Of COM
paratively recent origin.
Japan has been a frequent sufferer
from earthquakes. Between 1888
and 1892, S,331 shocks were record
ed. Japan leads the nations in the
understanding of seismologf. This
came from the attempt of the Japa-
nese government to epulate the
western nations in scientific achieve
ment. Earth phenomena claimed
first attention, supposedly because OF
the frequency of the shocks. II Is
true. however. that scientists have
never been able to solve the mystery
of earthquakes. Shocks may be fell
anywhere. They may be a volcanic
effect: they may be caused by 81
gantic landslide. either on dry LAND
or under the sea: or they may be
caused by the folding or readJust'
ment of the earth's crush. This ole
globe is not so old in point of struc'
tnre. Its crust is somewhat like
human beings FACET can be wrln'
killed. into a frown or expanded nto
q smile. One thing is certain, the
causes of shocks, whatever they may
he are never far from the earth
surface. This has been demonstrated
BY recording the length and strength
of the waves, and by observing the
physical proof that destruction is con
fined either to a central or narro"
and elongated area. Earthquakes
probably will continue to occur as
long as physical changes are possible
to the earth. 1t is just so possible
for them to be felt in the high noun
tains, on a wide plateau or in a cen
trail valley, such as the Mississippi
as it rs along the slopes of Italy OF
among the foothills of California
Indianapolis News.
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