The sequence of geological events and the dynamics of the Milky Way galaxy |
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| Authors: | Johann Steiner |
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| Institution: | Shell Canada Ltd , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
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| Abstract: | Present‐day galactic data permit the construction of a galactic model in which the galactic gravitational field is described by a gravitational function rather than the Newtonian gravitational “constant” G. The concept of this empirical gravitational function, which is based on galactic orbital velocity data, envisages G as a function of time and space. In this model the interaction of this gravitational function, which has rotational symmetry in the galactic plane, and the slightly elliptical galactic orbit of the solar system results in a systematic variation of G. This interaction specifies a simple galactic time‐scale which can be conveniently compared with events of the geological time‐scale. For reasons of galactic evolution and modifying effects due to suspected changes of mass distributions in the universe with the passage of time, which are classed here under the Dirac‐Jordan Effect, such a comparison is initially restricted to the past 1#fr1/4> cosmic years, or 350 million years. The problems in extending such a comparison to 8 cosmic years are discussed, and such an extension seems promising, but it is hampered by the paucity of geological and geophysical data from the lower Palaeozoic and the Precambrian and the present uncertainties in regard to galactic evolution. “Worldwide” statistical maxima and minima of the following geological criteria disclose an episodic correlation with the variation of G and the rates of change of G during the past 350 million years, as specified by this galactic model. It is possible to interpret this correlation in terms of accepted geological principles and concepts in most cases. The following geological phenomena are considered in this comparison of the galactic and geological time‐scales for the past 350 million years. Period boundaries of the stratigraphic system |
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| Keywords: | fault analysis slickensides deformation axes asbestos fibre orientation Riedel faults transtension |
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