In this report Hess wrote the main article: 'Interpretation of Geological and
Geophysical Observation (with figures)' pp. 27-54 - his first major scientific
advancement.
The report is the result of the gravimetric survey cruise to the West Indies, in
ithe early part of the year 1932 by the U.S. submarine S-48, and the U.S.S.
Chewink. Dr. F. A. Vening Meinesz of the Netherlands Geodetic Commission
was in charge of the gravimetric survey and was assisted by Dr. Harry Hess
of Princeton University.
Hess was intrigued by the similarities between the island arcs of East Indies
and West Indies:
‘’The concentration of earthquake epicenters on the strip anomalies gives
strong corroborative evidence that is represents the line of major tectonic
disturbance. Another interesting feature is the distribution of volcanoes with
respect to the strip. They occur in arcs parallel to the strip at about 100 miles
distance, and are always on the concave side of the curves of the strip.’’ (p. 32)
Harry Hess published in 1938 the article ''Gravity Anomalies and Island Arcs
Structure with Particular Reference to the West Indies.'' This work was his
second major scientific advancement.
It followed many years of intense researches which culminated in 1962 along
with the appearance of the paper ''History of Ocean Basins''. It was the third
step: the birth of the revolutionary seafloor spreading theory.
The Navy-Princeton Gravity Expedition to the West Indies in 1932, 1st Edition
U.S. Hydrographic Office, Washington, U.S. Govt. print., 1933; paperback
v, 54 p. incl. illus., tables, front., 2 pl. on 1 l., fold map, 20x24 cm. Fine condition.
Previous owner stamp (of Dutch geologist H. A. Brouwer: S. Warren Carey's
Ph.D. advisor). Extremely rare.
Price: $ 12,000.00