The Making of Mountains

Abstract

THE profound impression made on contemporary geological thought by what is known as the Schardt-Lugeon theory of ovarfolding is well seen in Herr H. Hoek's last paper on “Das zentrale Plessurgebirge” (Berichte d. Naturfors of Gesell. zu Freiburg i. B., Bd. xvi., 1906, In this he completely modifies his reading of the district, published three years ago, in favour of one that strings it into structural harmony with recent views as to the existence of “Ueberschiebungsdecken,” “Nappes de recouvrement,” or overlapping and over-thrust recumbent folds. The region south-east of Chur has received a good deal of geological attention, and Herr Hoek claims that it now falls into its place as a structural link between the overfolded areas of Switzerland and the Austrian Alps. His paper is written in a considerately argumentative spirit that provides cheerful reading, and concludes with a tilt at Rothpletz, who has sprung into the same field of inquiry. Both writers agree, however, that the overlying rock-sheets of the Plessurgebirge have been brought into the area from a distance; and that is the point which interests the watchers of the tourney.