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What little contact I have had with creationists suggests that they do not normally use the argument that the earth was created with the appearance of age. For one thing, such an argument has the same sort of sterile impregnability as has solipsism. One can equally argue that the world was created five minutes ago with the appearance of age (including false memories). But if God created the world 6000 years ago, designed to look as if it was much older, then this implies that God is very deceitful, which is not an attractive position. Therefore those creationists I have come across do attempt to construct arguments to try and explain geological data, which means that, in my opinion at least, it is worthwhile carrying on the debate. All the more so since, given the advances of the creationist movement, especially in the USA, it is as well to have some practice for those occasions when debate is necessary in a public forum. Most creationist propaganda is based on a simple trick: find a piece of data that is hard to reconcile with standard evolutionary theory. Then argue as follows: X is true X is incompatible with evolution Therefore creationism is true. Obviously a false syllogism. One can always try the counter-argument: X is true X is incompatible with creationism Therefore evolution is true. And see how that goes down! Apologies for adding one more item not strictly on tectonics to people's mailboxes, but I do think it is necessary to respond to this debate when challenged and not go off in a huff. In the case of maximum rate of continental drift, the topic is inherently interesting and I for one am happy to learn more about the subject from people like Joe. Roger Musson ********************************************************************* This e-mail message, and any files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee. If this message was not addressed to you, you have received it in error and any copying, distribution or other use of any part of it is strictly prohibited. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the sender and do not necessarily represent those of the British Geological Survey. The security of e-mail communication cannot be guaranteed and the BGS accepts no liability for claims arising as a result of the use of this medium to transmit messages from or to the BGS. The BGS cannot accept any responsibility for viruses, so please scan all attachments. http://www.bgs.ac.uk *********************************************************************