The Astronomical Theory of a Glacial Period

Abstract

MR. CULVERWELL has pointed out to me that I am in error when I include him among those writers who think that the problem of glacial periods is to be solved by considering only the varying amounts of sun-heat at different epochs. On referring to his paper, which I had not at hand when I wrote, I find that this is the case, and that he is careful to limit his calculations as giving only the variations of temperature due to direct sun-heat. He also discusses, though very briefly and inadequately, the effects due to transference of heat from one area to another. Although willingly making this correction at his request, I am still, after another perusal of his paper, quite unable to see that it finally disposes of Croll's theory, much less of that modification of it which I have myself set forth.