Abstract
WHEN we take a comprehensive view of the information that has been collected in order to determine the mean figure of the earth, we must acknowledge the important part that has been played by a long succession of Indian geodesists. For practically a century, with greater or less vigour, according to the political conditions prevailing at the time, continuous measurements have been carried on, with the result that we have at least eight meridional and four longitudinal arcs available for the general discussion. The differences of latitude extend from roughly 9° to 20° north, and include the determination of the astronomical latitude of some 150 stations, while the amplitude of the longitudinal arcs embraces nearly 25°, necessitating the investigation of fifty differences of longitude. The vigour displayed is the more curious since it must have been anticipated that the results would be affected with systematic error, as the deflection of the plumb-line would be materially influenced by local circumstances. Not only are the evident masses of the Himalayan range and the Tibetan plateau exercising an effect, which may, perhaps, be allowed for satisfactorily on the assumption of a uniform distribution of density in the strata below the surface, but the presence of the Indian Ocean on two sides of the peninsula, with its varying and uncertain depths, emphasises the difficulties of adjustment and compensation.
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Mountain Masses and Latitude Determinations 1 . Nature 66, 80–82 (1902). https://doi.org/10.1038/066080a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/066080a0