Marie Tharp

Revolutionized geology through pioneering ocean floor mapping

Marie Tharp (1920-2006) created the first scientific map of the Atlantic Ocean floor that fundamentally changed our understanding of Earth's geology. Her collaborative work with Bruce Heezen revealed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and provided crucial evidence for plate tectonic theory.

Despite facing gender discrimination in post-WWII science, Tharp meticulously analyzed over 70,000 ocean depth measurements to create hand-drawn physiographic maps. Her visualization of continuous rift valleys challenged existing geological paradigms and helped validate continental drift hypotheses proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Tharp's work laid the foundation for modern marine geology. The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory maintains her original maps as critical scientific resources. Her story exemplifies how detailed cartographic work can revolutionize scientific paradigms.