ABSTRACTS
Towards a Creationist Astronomy
Danny R. Faulkner, Ph.D. and Don B. DeYoung, Ph.D.
It is noted that very little discussion of stellar evolution has been conducted from a creationist perspective. A brief summary of stellar structure and evolution is given with a few of the observational evidences usually presented. The question of how much fixity and change creationists should allow in stars is raised. It is argued that the theory of stellar structure appears to be founded on a good physical basis and that stellar evolution is intimately related to stellar structure. Stellar evolution, the name applied to the aging of stars, is a totally different case from biological evolution. The need of a complete creationist astronomy model is emphasized. Future discussion on these topics is encouraged.
Erosion of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River
PART I--REVIEW OF ANTECEDENT RIVER HYPOTHESIS AND THE POSTULATION OF LARGE QUANTITIES OF RAPIDLY FLOWING WATER AS THE PRIMARY AGENT OF EROSION
Emmet L. Williams, Ph.D., John R. Meyer, Ph.D., and Glen W. Wolfrom, Ph.D.
One interpretation of the erosion of the Grand Canyon is reviewed--the antecedent view of the Colorado River cutting through the rising landscape. It is postulated that rapidly flowing water laden with abrasive particles moving from higher regions into lower areas was the main erosive agent in the formation of the Grand Canyon and that this erosion occurred rapidly within recent times.
Variation and Fixity as Seen in Climatology
Ted Aufdemberge, Ph.D.
The climate involves many interlocking feedback mechanisms. Their complexity raises questions about current forecasts of climate change. The case is presented that built-in design limits any major climate change.
The Limits to Variation
J. B. Jones, Ph.D.
Variation can be readily observed within species and can be shown to be involved in speciation through mechanisms such as random change occurring in the genome, and selection pressure acting on populations. However, there is no evidence that "missing links" occur and punctuated equilibrium theory, while providing an explanation for this, does not provide proof that "evolution" has caused the changes required to create new phyla.
The Limits of Variation
G. Richard Culp, D.O.
Variation is a normal characteristic of living organisms, and the operation of the laws of chance under natural conditions maintains the stability of these respective kinds. It is necessary to prevent natural conditions in order to produce and maintain new strains of livestock and vegetables, and the new varietal characteristics would usually hinder survival in the wild state. The effect of the gene pool is noted in variations in color, including albinism and melanism. Unusual Australasian forms are discussed in the light of the fossil record. Other variables include bird life and isolation, and human disease resistance. The relationships of environment to variation are discussed in reference to animal size, climate, elevation, degrees latitude, high temperature, salinity, moisture, aridity, and geographic distribution, along with the limits that can be endured by living organisms.
Dinosaur Update
Don B. DeYoung, Ph.D. and John R. Meyer, Ph.D.
The authors summarize a National Science Foundation-sponsored workshop on the Biology of Dinosaurs, conducted by J. Michael Parrish, a leading paleontologist. Current ideas and uncertainties about dinosaurs are discussed. Possible creationist research areas are noted.
Thermodynamic Analysis of a Condensing Vapor Canopy
Tracy W. Walters, P.E.
A significant problem confronting vapor canopy theorists is the energy load on the atmosphere during the collapse of the canopy. Previous attempts to quantify this energy load have indicated that atmospheric temperatures would rise much too high to sustain life. However, up to this point the regulating effect of the ocean during canopy collapse has not been addressed. This investigation develops a more detailed energy balance than used in earlier work and also includes a simplified model to account for ocean-atmosphere coupling. Assuming that the entire energy load is released during the 40 days of the Flood, the simplified model predicts that the upper bound for canopy precipitable water is two feet.