Abstract
Most geologic studies of orogenic terranes are primarily two-dimensional, with some dependence upon down-plunge and down-dip projections of structures. Potential field and seismic reflection/refraction studies provide some information aobut the third dimension, but these data may be interpreted in a variety of ways without direct calibration using drilling. Drilling is therefore a necessary tool to provide the ultimate test of a scientific hypothesis regarding crustal evolution and structure. A hole may be drilled as an attempt to solve a problem or, more commonly, to prove existence of some potentially economic deposit. If we totally accepted the interpretations based upon structural crosssections, seismic refraction and reflection studies, potential field studies, or studies which combine results from these and other techniques, it would never be necessary to drill except to recover economic minerals or hydrocarbons. However, the results of these types of analysis are generally not sufficiently precise to achieve to unique resolution of crustal structure and reduce the possibilities for alternative interpretations.
False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views, if supported by some evidence, do little harm, for everyone takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness.
Charles R. Darwin The descent of Man, 1859
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© 1985 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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Hatcher, R.D. et al. (1985). Rationale for Selecting a Site for an Ultra-Deep Dedicated Scientific Drill Hole in the Southern Appalachians. In: Raleigh, C.B. (eds) Observation of the Continental Crust through Drilling I. Exploration of the Deep Continental Crust. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45601-5_23
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45601-5_23
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