The Recent Glaciation of Tasmania

Abstract

IN a paper read before the Royal Society of Tasmania in June last, Mr. R. M. Johnston, F.L.S., gives a sketch of what is known of the glaciation of the island, or rather of the western portion of it, for no indications of glaciers appear to have been discovered in the eastern half. This difference is supposed to be due to the fact that on the western side of the island the rainfall is from 50 to 76 inches annually, while in the central valley it is but little over 20 inches. Indications of glaciation among the western mountains were noticed by Mr. Charles Gould, Government geologist, about forty years ago, and from information received from him through the late Chief Secretary of Tasmania, the Hon. J. R. Scott, Mr. Johnston took up the inquiry, and for many years has made explorations in the western plateaus and mountains. Mr. C. P. Sprent was another explorer who published some account of the glacial phenomena in 1886, while more recently Mr. T. B. Moore and Mr. Dunn have recorded similar observations. Mr. A. Montgomery, the present Government geologist, has also just published a paper on the same subject.