“Earth’s Age of Ice”
The next phenomenon referenced in Job that reflects on the earliest record of earth history as relayed in Genesis is the meteorological changes in the Post-Flood era.
The Flood not only rearranged the landmass with a massive redistribution of sediments, but it also tremendously altered the atmosphere and the way that the earth was affected by the sun.
In previous articles we detailed the evidences that suggest a time in earth history that point to a dramatically different atmosphere than the one we experience today (see Scripturosity article “The Longevity of the Ancients – Part 3”). The assumed mechanism for the optimal atmosphere comes from a study of the Day 2 expanse or “firmament” and the upper portion of its divided “waters.”
Dr. Henry Morris uses his scientific expertise in the field of hydrology (the science of the properties of earth’s water) to give some speculative insight into the antediluvian atmosphere in his book The Genesis Record…
“Separated by this firmament, or atmosphere, the two bodies of water henceforth were ready for their essential functions in sustaining future life on earth. The actual process of separation was possibly implemented by converting a portion of the liquid water into the vapor state, perhaps through application of divine heat energy. The reactions so induced on the watery suspension also released the other gaseous components of the atmosphere, which became the ‘firmament’ holding up the lighter water vapor above…
A vapor canopy…would have to be transparent in order for the heavenly bodies to ‘give light upon the earth’ and to ‘be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years’ (Genesis 1:14, 15). Water vapor, even in vast amounts, is invisible, whereas clouds, fog, and so forth, are composed of minute droplets of liquid water and are opaque (impenetrable to light).
Furthermore, a vapor canopy could be more easily maintained aloft and would serve much more effectively as a marvelous sustainer of vigorous life conditions on earth.”
Dr. Morris, professor of hydrology, mentions several implied, post-Flood environmental changes that would distinguish and define the new reality (The Genesis Flood, p. 211) – two of which are applicable to our current topic.
Following the Flood:
1) “The thermal blanket had been dissipated, so that strong temperature differentials were inaugurated, leading to a … buildup of snow and ice in the polar latitudes, rendering much of the extreme northern and southern land surfaces… essentially uninhabitable.”
2) “Tremendous glaciers, rivers, and lakes existed for a time, with the world gradually approaching its present state of semiaridity.”
Meteorologist Michael Oard encapsulates the relationship between the great Flood of Noah and the irrefutable evidence for an Ice age in his book entitled An Ice Age Caused by the Genesis Flood (p.188).
“The Genesis Flood provides the initial conditions for the ice age. Since the Flood was associated with extensive volcanism, a vast shroud of volcanic dust and aerosols would have remained in the atmosphere for several years afterwards (see Scripturosity article “Is Earth’s Fire Responsible for its Ice?”). Water for the Flood erupted from below the ground, in the “fountains of the great deep.” The hot water from the deep would mix with the pre-Flood ocean, which itself probably was relatively warm compared to today. The tremendous earth upheavals associated with the fountains of the deep, and the draining of the Flood waters, would have mixed the ocean water. Consequently, the ocean would likely have been universally warm from pole to pole, and from top to bottom, at the end of the Flood.
Cooling mechanisms caused by the Flood, in combination with a universally warm ocean, would result in a snowblitz, or a rapid ice age. Volcanic dust and aerosols would provide the main summer cooling over the mid and high-latitude continents, by reflecting a relatively large percentage of the summer sunshine back to space…Storm after storm would develop and drop most of its moisture over the colder land…
Due to the unique post-Flood climate, glacial maximum is reached very rapidly – in about 500 years. This figure is based on the length of time the controlling conditions likely operated. The main variable determining this time span is the ocean warmth, which made copious moisture available. Once the ocean cooled to some threshold temperature, the supply of moisture would critically decline, and deglaciation would begin…
The evidence for multiple ice ages can be adequately explained by one dynamic ice age. Just like modern glaciers, one ice sheet would advance, retreat, and surge, in accord with variations in climate (see reference to the Gamburtsev Mountain Range as evidence against multiple Ice Ages in Scripturosity article “Noah’s New World – Part 2”).”
This credible, scientific model is presented to offer context to the following passages.
Elihu apparently had some knowledge (perhaps experiential) of wintery weather when He attributed, “God thundereth marvelously with His voice; great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend. For He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth…Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given…(37:5-10).”
When God saw fit to end the dialogue of human reasoning with His own voice, He began with a series of questions designed to humble the listener and introduce His sovereign perspective and privilege. Twice He mentions conditions and phenomena that are associated with extensive atmospheric cooling.
“Hast thou entered the treasures of the snow? Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail (38:22)?” The word “treasures” intimates a place of stored assets or a storehouse. In this case, the Lord may be asking Job if he had seen the massive ice sheets that were blanketing the regions to their north. Or His question may have been more toward his comprehension of the meteorological generation of such wintery features.
Out of whose womb came the ice? And the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? The waters are hid as a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen (38:29,30).”
Concerning the Lord’s use of these cold weather references, it is reasonable to conclude that Job had personal access to the features described. This aligns chronologically with Michael Oard’s model of glacial maximum in 500 years. Isn’t it remarkable how the evidence finds harmonious context in the history documented in the Bible? To many, the perceived incompatibility is a tremendous obstacle to faith (see Scripturosity article series “Part 1-The Testimony of Christ” ; Part 2 – “Confessions of Doubt”; and Part 3 – “The Integrity of the Whole”.
Believer, share your hope with confidence. Seeker, recognize that there is a legitimate, phenomenal axiom that can both appeal to your intellect and address your purpose (see Scripturosity article “The Gospel Message”).
“Uphold me according to thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope (Psalm 119:116).”
Great studies. Never thought of it quite this way. Keep it up and God bless!
Carl