quote:
Originally posted by Tranquility Base:
R. Planet
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But it is true that his [Baumgardner]computer model is widely recognized as very good. In what way he gets his runaway subduction from it is unknown to me but I can imagine that he tweaks parameters, some quite different from current values, and shows that you can get a runaway effect. For us that tweaking of eg mantle temperatures comes from acclerated radiodecay for example.
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[This message has been edited by Tranquility Base, 07-19-2002]
Creationists want to use scientific models to produce some simple, observable outcomes to convince their flock that their religious beliefs are supported by science. For example, plate tectonics is too compelling to be ignored by the creationist flock when anyone can see the Africa - South America fit. So creationists such as Baumgardner manufacture a model which explains the simple, observable outcome but ignore other outcomes of their model. Joe Meert makes the following observation at
http://gondwanaresearch.com/oceans.htm
"Baumgardner's model relies on unrealistic viscosity values and extreme values for other parameters in order to generate runaway subduction. There is no evidence to support the values used in the model although the computer will unashamedly generate the answer!"
Baumgardner can model the fit of Africa - South America to satisfy the undiscerning audience but can't produce the great ocean depths which have been measured. Joe Meert again:
"In short, the observed bathymetry is a near perfect match for an old earth model and seriously challenges the model proposed by Baumgardner and other advocates of rapid drift."
How many miracles have to be invoked to justify the religiously inspired concept of runaway subduction?
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