Note 212 — Chapter XXIII · THE PHYSICAL CAUSE OF THE SUBMERGENCE AND EMERGENCE OF THE LAND DURING THE GLACIAL EPOCH.

Some writers have objected to the conclusion that the antarctic ice-cap is thickest at the pole, on the ground that the snowfall there is probably less than at lower latitudes. The fact is, however, overlooked, that the greater thickness of an ice-cap at its centre is a physical necessity not depending on the rate of snowfall. Supposing the snowfall to be greater at, say, lat. 70° than at 80°, and greater at 80° than at the pole; nevertheless, the ice will continue to accumulate till it is thicker at 80° than at 70°, and at the pole than it is at 80°.