Women's History Month Mini-Series: Women in GEOINT
Written by: Brittany L. Reid, Recruitment Communications Program Manager NGA Talent Acquisition Center
March is Women’s History month, and as the month comes to a close, I wanted to take the time to recognize astounding women who have made amazing strides in our nation’s history. This mini-series honors women in the fields of GEOINT—specifically those who have made unique contributes in the land, sea, and space domains.
These women span the gamut of a multitude of STEM skillsets that fuel the core of Geospatial Intelligence.
Today, we recognize Marie Tharp, an oceanographer and geologist who made great strides in advancing our ability to chart the seas.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
SEA – MARIE THARP
(1920 – 2006)
Birth Location – Ypsilanti, Michigan
Death Location – Nyack, New York
Education – University of Ohio
You may have heard of the “Round Earth vs Flat Earth” debate, but are you also familiar with the fact that people used to believe the ocean floor was just a plain, flat bed of mud?
Today, we can credit Marie Tharp for playing a crucial role in enhancing our ability to not only map the ocean floor, but to also keep key navigational documents, like the U.S. Notice to Mariners, up to date for our vessels at sea.
Tharp was a geologist and oceanographer who helped produce one of the world’s first ocean maps, and she helped to confirm several theories regarding the geological developments of our planet.
Tharp’s family moved around constantly as she was growing up, and she attend more than 15 schools before she graduated from high school. Afterwards, she attended the University of Ohio and graduated with a Music and an English degree. Tharp then continued her education in Michigan, where she earned a Master’s degree in Geology and another bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
Contributions – Tharp’s colleague, Bruce Heezen, helped her to accurately map Earth’s waters, since women at that time were not allowed to travel on ocean voyages. So, while Heezen was at sea, he sent Tharp SONAR data, which she then transcribed into visual renderings using nothing but paper, pens, and pencils. Tharp’s work depicted 3-dimensional maps of the canyons, mountains, ridges, and troughs that we now know form the foundation of the ocean floor. She also proved the continental drift theory, which stated that continents shifted by moving across the ocean bed. Previously, the theory was unsupported by many geologists, oceanographers, and scientists. However, Tharp’s fastidious research and dedication to her craft eventually helped her garnish enough support for the theory to be widely accepted and held in very high regard.
(Picture Above from Smithsonianmag.com: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/seeing-believing-how-marie-tharp-changed-geology-forever-180960192/)
Tharp’s contributions culminated in the 1977 publication of a map entitled, “The World Ocean Floor,” which showcased the ocean map for the entire planet.
My Take – Tharp worked during the midst of WWII, in a time when women maintained the labor force while men were on the battlefield, but were somewhat restricted in what they could do. However, Tharp did not let this stop her. She conquered these societal barriers, broke through the ocean’s barriers, and made astonishing revelations that most professionals during her time had not considered. Tharp credits her father with one of her favorite quotes, “When you find your life’s work, make sure it is something you can do, and most important, something you like to do.” It is because Tharp charged forward with her passion that she was able to chart previously uncharted paths and forge new paths—making huge waves for future generations.
For this, we thank her.
Fun Fact – Tharp later opened a map making business from her home in South Nyack, New York. Throughout her lifetime, she was not always credited for her work. However, she did receive an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Society of Women Geographers in 1996. In addition, the Library of Congress’ Phillips Society honored her as one of the 20th Century’s Outstanding Cartographers in 1997. (Picture above from C250.columbia.edu: http://c250.columbia.edu/c250_celebrates/remarkable_columbians/marie_tharp.html)
Website References:
https://exploration.marinersmuseum.org/subject/marie-tharp/
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