The Earth's Shifting Crust by Charles Hapgood - wire of information

INTRODUCTION 15
time, a point near the equator moves much farther than one
near a pole. So, in a displacement of the crust, there is a me-
ridian around the earth that represents the direction of the
movement, and points on this circle will be moved farthest.
Two points go degrees away from this line will represent the
"pivot points'* of the movement. All other points will be displaced
proportionally to their distances from this meridian.
Naturally, climatic changes will be more or less proportionate
to changes in latitude, and, because areas on opposite sides
of the globe will be moving in opposite directions, some
areas will be getting colder while others get hotter; some will
be undergoing radical changes of climate, some mild changes
of climate, and some no changes at all.
Along with the climatic changes, there will be many other
consequences of a displacement of the crust. Because of the
slight flattening of the earth, there will be stretching and
compressional effects to crack and fold the crust, possibly
contributing to the formation of mountain ranges. There
will be changes in sea level, and many other consequences. In
this book the potential consequences will be discussed in de-
tail, and evidence presented to show that such displacements
have frequently occurred in the earth's history, and that they
I have men-
provide an acceptable solution to the problems
tioned above. 1
3. A Possible Cause of Crust Displacement
Some years ago Mr. Hugh Auchincloss Brown, an engineer,
developed a theory that great polar icecaps might shift the
poles by capsizing or careening the earth as a whole. He had a
simple idea, suggested by his engineering experience. This
was the concept of the centrifugal effect that may arise from
i To follow the argument presented in this book, the reader will find it helpful
to use a globe. A small one will do. A globe is better than flat maps for
the purpose of following the many simultaneous changes
placement of the crust.
involved in a dis