Physics
Scientific paper
May 1976
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976natur.261...32d&link_type=abstract
Nature, vol. 261, May 6, 1976, p. 32-34. NSF-supported research.
Physics
7
Cloud Physics, Glaciology, Ice Formation, Interstellar Matter, Background Radiation, Cosmic Dust, Hydrogen Atoms, Hydrogen Clouds, Interstellar Extinction, Satellite Observation, X Rays
Scientific paper
The theory proposed by McCrea in which the ice ages are attributed to the interaction of the sun with dense interstellar clouds is examined. The lack of extensive absorption of soft X-ray background and the low column densities of molecular hydrogen derived from satellite observations of H2 absorption lines in selected stars rule out the existence of a dense molecular cloud of large size. It is shown that no significant fraction of the hypothetical cloud could be in the form of atomic or ionized hydrogen. A cloud consisting of dust particles could not be appreciably accreted on to the sun since mutual collisions are required to destroy the systematic velocity of the cloud as it sweeps past the sun. It is calculated that replenishment of the zodiacal dust cloud after the last glaciation (10,000 years ago) would require 100,000 years. An alternative possibility is that the proposed mechanism acts as a rapid trigger for a longer lived glacial episode.
Dennison Brian
Mansfield Victor N.
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