98 THE FLOOR OF THE OCEAN 



a subcrustal layer which must yield even under minute shear- 

 ing stress. 



8. We have found cause to adopt in principle the view of 

 Vening Meinesz and Hess, that the negative strips of East and 

 West Indies are long mountain chains of Alpine complexity of 

 structure. 



9. The submarine character of these two chains, in contrast 

 with the proud loftiness of Alps, Andes, or Himalaya finds 

 explanation if the sub-oceanic part of the earth's crust differs 

 from the continental part in the way that has been suggested. 



