Wednesday 22 May 2019

The Turin Papyrus Or Oldest Known Geologic Map

By Matthew Perry


When it comes to maps, there are many different types. In one case, a geologic map has nothing to do with travel. For, this type of map refers locations of interest based on geological aspects of different areas, such as that of fossils and rocks. As such, this type of map differs greatly from that of a road atlas or maps used by GPS systems.

In geological maps, geologic strata and data are shown by colors, symbols and other markings which are often measured from the surface. For example, data such as folds, faults, lineages and plunges are often marked with a dip or strike. In most cases, objects marked with dips and strikes tend to render a three dimensional aspect on geographical maps.

Locating and marking the surface can often be a bit more difficult. Still, doing so can often be accomplished by using contour lines to illustrate the surface and subsurface and topographic trends. Whereas, it is important when doing so, to calculate measurements carefully based on a number of factors. These factors often include, bedrock, backfill, topsoil and related factors.

Currently, the oldest geological map known to exist is that of the Turin Papyrus which has been well preserved since being found. Being a map that dates back to 1150 BCE, it was an important archaeological, geographical, geological and historical find. For, the map depicted stone and gold deposits from different areas of Egypt. In fact, it is believed that the map may have even been integral in the building of the pyramids.

Whereas, the earliest map known to exist in the modern era dates back to 1771, the map which shows part of Auyergne is made from basalt using prisms, balls and other markings to denote different locations. While this is the case, there have been a number of other geological maps developed in different areas of the world since that time. As such, there have been a number of archaeological, geographical, geological and historical findings which may have never taken place if not for these early surveyors and mapmakers.

Credit for developing the first geological map in the United States goes to William Maclure. For, in 1807 Maclure undertook the task of traveling to and surveying every state in the Union at the time. During the survey, it is reported that Maclure crossed the Allegheny mountains more than fifty times.

It was a survey and journey which would take over twenty four months. Reports have shown that the mapmaker and surveyor crossed over the Allegheny mountains at least fifty times before returning home. More recently, five classes of rock have been identified on the map which appear to only exist in the Eastern most states of the country.

While most all geological maps are similar to the first one created by Maclure, many are now superimposed over topographical maps with a letter, symbol and color mark to describe the type of geological aspects in the area. While the color relates to the exposure of the bedrock from the surface, symbols are often used to show fossils, fault lines and other data. As such, these maps are used in a number of different areas including marine biology, geology, history, topology and earthquake sciences.




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