Wonders - Vol 4 No 2 - 1995

Magazine Overview

WONDERS, Vol. 4, No. 2, published in June 1995, is a quarterly magazine from Mark A. Hall Publications based in Minneapolis, MN. The issue's cover headline is "The Many Planets \"Earth\"", suggesting a focus on alternative theories about Earth's history and planetary configurations. The magazine positions itself as "Seeking the Truth in a Universe of Mysteries."

Editorial: The Scientific Tree-House

The editorial critiques the current scientific establishment, likening it to a "tree-house filled with children pretending to be something they are not." It argues that science is under attack and that alternatives to current scientific views, such as reincarnation and alien abduction, are being dismissed. The editorial cites a New York Times report on a gathering of scientists concerned about a "flight from reason" and a New Yorker article about archaeologist Frank Hibben, whose findings have been under suspicion. The author feels the scientific establishment is not self-correcting and makes up its own rules.

The Many Planets "Earth"

This main article, authored by Mark A. Hall, delves into the hypothesis of a "shifting crust" for the planet Earth. It begins by quoting Albert Einstein's support for the idea that ice accumulation in Antarctica could cause the Earth's crust to slip, leading to new evolutionary paths.

The article explains that this geological theory posits that Earth has had multiple distinct "Earths" in its past, characterized by different climatic and vegetational patterns that resemble today's. The core idea is that the thin outer crust of continents and oceans moves over the planet's interior, while the axis of rotation remains stable. This movement, driven by an unknown periodic cause, results in a "whole new Earth" with altered ocean currents and weather patterns.

Charles Hapgood's work, particularly "Earth's Shifting Crust" (1958) and "The Path of the Pole" (1970), is central to the discussion. Hapgood initially considered ice accumulation in Antarctica as the trigger but later abandoned this specific cause, though the sequence of shifts remained a viable explanation. The article notes that Albert Einstein found Hapgood's idea "astonishing" and deserving of serious attention. Geologist F. N. Earll also appealed for colleagues to rigorously examine Hapgood's theory.

The article addresses the "ice ages," suggesting they are a misinterpretation of recent crustal shifts, evidenced by fresh geological features. Hapgood's research identified several past pole positions, including one in Hudson Bay around 18,000-17,000 years ago, another in the Greenland Sea about 50,000 years ago, and a third in the Yukon District 30,000 years prior to that.

Figures 1-4 (represented by images on pages 6-7) illustrate these shifts, showing how continents would have been positioned relative to the equator and axis of rotation in different "Earth" epochs (Earth Zero, Earth Minus One, Minus Two, Minus Three).

The hypothesis suggests that the entire crust, including continents and oceans, shifts, not just parts of it. This movement is not hindered by the deep roots of mountain chains. The article references other writers who have noted this idea, including Lester del Rey, A.J. Wraight, Francois Derrey, and John White.

Further evidence discussed includes the periodic shedding of ice from Antarctica, which is presented as a consequence of crustal shifts. The Canadian Archipelago, for example, was ice-free during "Earth-1" because it was not near the pole.

The author notes a lack of critical reviews for Hapgood's "The Path of the Pole" in American scientific journals, suggesting it was better received in Europe. The article contrasts the shifting crust theory with the traditional view of "ice ages" and "plate motion reorganization," arguing that the former offers a more comprehensive explanation for observed phenomena.

Paleoclimatology and Equatorial Vegetation

The article then shifts to discuss paleoclimatology and the dynamic nature of equatorial vegetation. It challenges the long-held view that equatorial forests were static "museum pieces" unaffected by ice ages. John Flenley's work, "The Equatorial Forest: A Geological History," is cited, which contradicts the idea that ice ages only affected temperate regions, suggesting they caused aridity in the tropics.

Evidence indicates that equatorial vegetation has changed dramatically in the geologically recent past. For instance, between 20,000 and 14,000 years ago, vegetation was strikingly different, with mountain vegetation types found at higher altitudes and lowland vegetation adapted to drier conditions. By 14,000 to 7,000 years ago, vegetation began migrating to its modern locations.

Cataclysms and Geological Evidence

The article connects the shifting crust hypothesis to periodic cataclysms. It mentions Graham Hancock's "Fingerprints of the Gods" and "When the Sky Fell" by Rand and Rose Flem-Ath as works embracing similar ideas. Ivan T. Sanderson is highlighted as a proponent of Hapgood's theories.

• Evidence for past cataclysms includes:
• Sudden collapse of cave roofs due to global earthquakes.
• Vast deposits of unstratified silts indicating mass floods.
• Mass bone beds containing billions of animal remains, suggesting sudden, catastrophic events rather than gradual accumulation.

These events are proposed to explain drastic landscape changes, such as the raising of the Afar Triangle and potentially the dissolution of Atlantis.

Sanderson's observations on the 1954 Assam-Bhutan earthquake are used to illustrate rapid geological changes, like the sudden denudation of mountains in Mexico. The article also points to rockfalls dated in cave deposits as evidence.

Specifically, rockfalls found in Peru's Flea Cave and Pepper Cave, dating to 12,000 years before the present, are linked to the transition from "Earth-1" to "Earth 0." Similarly, the Meadowcroft site in Pennsylvania shows rockfalls between 9,350 B.C. and 10,850 B.C. A cave site in northern Spain shows a "depositional hiatus" for the period of 13,000 to 16,000 years before the present, suggesting a transitional period.

The article suggests that the transition period of a crustal shift may have been turbulent, marked by extreme weather, volcanism, and climate instability, with the greatest violence occurring at the end, as indicated by rockfalls.

Geologist Jack Wolfe's findings of tropical vegetation in south-central Alaska from 45 million years ago are presented as evidence that the region received more sunlight, implying it was situated farther south, supporting the idea of continental movement or polar shifts.

The concept of "polar wander" is discussed, noting that while scientists attribute it to "plate motion reorganization," the shifting crust hypothesis offers an alternative explanation. The article contrasts the traditional view of expanding polar ice caps with the shifting crust model, which posits that past "Earths" had modest polar regions and different landmass positions relative to climate zones.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the questioning of mainstream scientific narratives and the exploration of alternative, often controversial, theories about Earth's history and geology. The magazine champions the "shifting crust" hypothesis as a more comprehensive explanation for phenomena like ice ages and rapid geological changes than conventional models. The editorial stance is critical of the established scientific community, portraying it as rigid and resistant to new ideas that challenge its "tunnel vision." The magazine aims to present "the truth" by exploring these unconventional perspectives, particularly those related to prehistory, cataclysms, and planetary changes.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated June 1995, features articles that explore theories of geological and historical cataclysm, focusing on the concept of Earth's crustal shifts and the lost civilization of Atlantis. The magazine challenges conventional scientific views on Earth's past, particularly regarding ice ages and continental drift, and presents alternative hypotheses based on the work of researchers like Charles Hapgood.

Shifting Crusts and Paleogeography

The articles discuss how the shifting of Earth's crust could explain significant changes in global climate and vegetation zones over geological time. Figures 2, 3, and 4 illustrate hypothetical configurations of North America and vegetation bands during different Earth periods, suggesting that continental positions and latitudes have varied dramatically. Figure 2 depicts North America north of 60 degrees north latitude 50,000 to 17,000 years ago. Figure 3 shows vegetation zones with the equator south of its present position during 'Earth Minus One.' Figure 4 presents a possible appearance of North America during the 'Sangamon Interglacial' (75,000 to 55,000 years ago). The text emphasizes that these are suggestive illustrations, not precise projections, and calls for computer simulations to be cross-checked with dated prehistoric flora and fauna.

The time scale of the Pleistocene is discussed, with reference to Hapgood's work, suggesting a trend towards shortening its duration based on more sophisticated dating methods. The article critiques the conventional explanation for 'ice ages,' proposing that they are not necessarily due to dramatic enlargement of polar regions but rather to crustal shifts. Sea level changes and other forces are noted as potentially obliterating evidence of past human habitation.

The Effects of Crustal Shifts

Periodic crustal shifts are described as having profound effects on plant and animal life, forcing adaptation or extinction. These shifts are seen as a cause or aid to mass extinctions, setting in motion new evolutionary paths. The author suggests that these 'changes' are crustal shifts and that nature, when unobstructed by mankind, maintains a great diversity of species, accounting for the abundance of unusual animals found globally. The movement of animals between continents is also linked to past Earth environments shaped by these shifts.

The Atlantis Hypothesis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the mystery of Atlantis, particularly in relation to Solon's account as preserved by Plato. The article explores the possibility that Atlantis was located west of the Strait of Gibraltar, potentially a large island or continent that was destroyed by geological upheaval. The author discusses the ancient city of Tartessus in southern Spain as a potential candidate or related site, noting its historical significance as a trading center from 1150 to 500 B.C. The article questions the conventional dating of antiquity and suggests that the demise of Atlantis, around 11,500 years ago, aligns with the geological context of periodic global changes.

The text examines the ancient Egyptian accounts of Atlantis, as relayed by Solon, and contrasts them with modern interpretations. It addresses the argument that Atlantis is not mentioned by Herodotus, noting that this does not preclude its existence. The article critiques attempts to identify Atlantean influences in later high civilizations and emphasizes the need to look at the world of 12,000 years ago. The hypothesis of a periodic shifting of the Earth's crust is presented as a framework that aligns with the descriptions of Atlantis, including catastrophic events like earthquakes, floods, and the island's disappearance, leaving behind an 'impassable sea' with mud below the surface.

Geological Chronology and Evidence

Figure 5 provides a timeline of climatic change as determined by movements of a shifting crust, comparing glacial and interglacial periods in Europe and North America. This timeline, based on Hapgood's reconstruction, suggests a compressed timescale for geological events. The article references findings such as the abrupt end of a Pleistocene interglacial in northeastern France, marked by a rapid transition from temperate to sub-Arctic vegetation, as evidence supporting the rapid nature of changes associated with crustal shifts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that conventional scientific explanations for Earth's past are incomplete and that theories like Charles Hapgood's crustal shift hypothesis offer a more comprehensive understanding. There is a strong emphasis on re-evaluating historical and geological evidence through the lens of catastrophic geological events rather than gradualism. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning established paradigms and exploring alternative, often controversial, scientific and historical interpretations, particularly concerning ancient civilizations and global cataclysms.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated June 1995, features articles exploring ancient civilizations, early human history, and geological phenomena. The content is presented in a scholarly yet accessible manner, referencing various historical accounts, archaeological findings, and scientific hypotheses.

Atlantis Did Not Sink

The lead article challenges the popular image of Atlantis as sunken ruins. It posits that the island was violently destroyed and its artifacts buried beneath mud and silt over 12,000 years. The destruction is linked to a shifting crust, possibly occurring between 17,000 and 12,000 years ago, a period marked by rockfalls in South America and North America. The article suggests that Atlantis's location on the edge of the Eurasian and African plates made it geologically unstable, leading to its fragmentation. While direct artifacts may be lost, the author suggests that widespread cultural traces from that period might still exist. The article also references historical accounts, such as those from an Egyptian priest, placing the Atlantean declaration of war nine thousand years prior to his time, and a subsequent 'dreadful day and night' of floods and earthquakes, roughly 11,500 years ago.

Farming Forty Thousand Years Ago

This section, authored by Mark A. Hall, revises the timeline of early agriculture. While textbooks typically place the origins of agriculture 10-12 thousand years ago in East Asia, China, and the Middle East, new findings in New Guinea suggest much earlier dates. Farming tools dated to 40,000 years ago have been discovered on the Huon Peninsula. The article notes that humankind reached its current physical and mental state about 100,000 years ago, but progress has been incremental, punctuated by periods of noteworthy advancement. The 'waisted ax culture' from New Guinea and woven cloth dating back 27,000 years from the Czech Republic are cited as examples. The article also touches upon the competition between Homo sapiens and other advanced primates, referred to as 'True Giants' or 'Shorter-hominids,' suggesting these beings may still exist in concealment.

Geological Influences and Early Human Settlement

Another article discusses the profound impact of geological shifts on human history. The periodic need for the Earth's crust to adjust on a global scale is presented as a force more awesome than any natural disaster. These shifts have caused fits and starts in human progress, with the destruction of Atlantis serving as a prime example. The article highlights the discovery of stone ax heads in New Guinea, pushing back the earliest known agriculture by another 30,000 years. Associate Professor Les Groube's findings on the Huon Peninsula and at Kosipe in the Central Highlands of New Guinea provide evidence of human settlement dating back 26,000 years, and even earlier for agriculture. Similar 'waisted axes' found in Australia suggest a connection to the Pleistocene era. Recent studies of Australian rock paintings suggest habitation as far back as 60,000 years ago, when Australia and New Guinea were connected by land.

Legends and Catastrophes

The issue connects geological catastrophes to ancient legends. A legend from the Nyoongar tribe in Western Australia, concerning 'The Great Shaking,' is presented as a description of a sudden crustal shift, similar to the catastrophe that may have ended Atlantis. The legend describes a day of intense shaking, followed by altered landscapes and improved conditions, with a perceived change in the Sun's apparent movement. The author notes that the continent, not the Sun, moved with the shifting crust, and that this perspective aligns with changes projected for 50,000 years ago.

More About...

This section provides brief reviews and mentions of various books and topics:

• The Onza: A review of Neil B. Carmony's book on the mystery cat of western Mexico, suggesting it's a local characterization of a female mountain lion, but potentially overlooking evidence of Panthera atrox survival.
• Mystery Cats in Europe: A report from Denmark about a mysterious lion-like cat sighted on the island of Fyn, with speculation that it could be a surviving Pleistocene cat.
• Charles M. Skinner: Mentions a bibliography of his folklore endeavors.
• Dean Conant Worcester: Discusses his role as a colonial administrator in the Philippines and his pursuit of reported apes.
• Noah's Ark: Recommends Lloyd R. Bailey's book, "Where is Noah's Ark: Mystery on Mt. Ararat," for its approach to asking the right questions about the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around challenging established historical and archaeological timelines, emphasizing the profound impact of geological events on human civilization, and exploring ancient mysteries through a combination of scientific evidence and legendary accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question conventional narratives and consider alternative interpretations of the past, particularly concerning the antiquity of human civilization and the nature of ancient catastrophes like Atlantis. There is a consistent effort to link disparate findings across different regions and time periods to form a broader understanding of human and planetary history.