Marie Tharp

Marie Tharp
Marie Tharp in 1968
Born(1920-07-30)July 30, 1920
Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S.
DiedAugust 23, 2006(2006-08-23) (aged 86)
Nyack, New York, U.S.
Education
Known forSeafloor topography
Scientific career
FieldsGeology, Oceanography
InstitutionsLamont–Doherty Earth Observatory Columbia University
Bathymetric globe produced by Marie Tharp and Bruce Heezen
Manuscript map created by Tharp and Heezen depicting the early developments of the understanding of the ocean's bottom (1957)

Marie Tharp (July 30, 1920 – August 23, 2006) was an American geologist and oceanographic cartographer. In the 1950s, she collaborated with geologist Bruce Heezen to produce the first scientific map of the Atlantic Ocean floor.[1] Her cartography revealed a more detailed topography and multi-dimensional geographical landscape of the ocean bottom.[2]

Tharp's discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge caused a paradigm shift in earth science that led to the acceptance of the theories of plate tectonics and continental drift.[3][4][5]

  1. ^ O'Connell, Suzanne (August 8, 2020). "Marie Tharp's maps revolutionized our knowledge of the seafloor". The Washington Post.
  2. ^ "Marie Tharp". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  3. ^ Bizzarro, Danielle (July 10, 2001). "Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory Bestows Heritage Award on Marie Tharp, Pioneer of Modern Oceanography". Columbia News. Office of Public Affairs, Columbia University. Archived from the original on September 25, 2001. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
  4. ^ Blakemore, Erin (August 30, 2016). "Seeing Is Believing: How Marie Tharp Changed Geology Forever". Smithsonian Magazine.
  5. ^ Earth Institute (July 24, 2020). "Marie Tharp's Adventures in Mapping the Seafloor, In Her Own Words". Columbia Climate School.