Article Index
The following is a long treatise and analysis of the Tectonic Strain Theory. The TST is widely purported to explain UFOs, ghosts, psychic events, religious ecstacy, spontaneous combustion and pretty well anything else you might name. Literally hundreds of papers have appeared in scientific journals, assuming its real existence and reality. However, there have been very few critical works about the TST, and when such works have surfaced, the critics have been dismissed with commentary or discussion about how complicated the issue is and why it cannot be quantified easily. In short, its proponents appear to invoke almost identical reasons as defendants of the reality of psychic phenomena, and this in itself raises concern among some researchers. This paper was originally written as a geophysical thesis in 1983, and although decades old, is still relevant as a critical look at the TST which is still being invoked as a scientific explanation of purportedly paranormal phenomena.
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The Tectonic Strain Theory of Geophysical Luminosities by Chris A. Rutkowski Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1984 (c) Chris A. Rutkowski, 1984
Abstract A new hypothesis, explaining unidentified luminosities, has been proposed which has received wide attention and general acceptance. It incorporates both geophysical and physiological mechanisms in an attempt to explain the wide variety of characteristics of the phenomenon. This study examines the feasibility of the theory from an objective standpoint, and tests the tenability of the interrelations of its interdisciplinary mechanisms.
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CONTENTS Chapter Page
I. INTRODUCTION
II. THE TECTONIC STRAIN THEORY AND UFOS
Crustal Strain
Strain-Produced Radiation
Luminosity From Electromagnetic Discharge
UFOs as Fracture-Related Luminosities
Electromagnetic Effects on the Human System
Temporal Lobe Experiences
III. STATISTICAL CORRELATIONS OF THE TST AND UFO OBSERVATIONS
IV. ANALYSIS OF THE TST
Energy Constraints
Geographical Implications of UFO Sightings
Earthquake Lights and Dilatancy Hypotheses
Other Considerations
V. OTHER TST-RELATED THEORIES
Vestigia
Earth Lights
VI. CONCLUSIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Appendix A
