finding a path November 21, 2007
Posted by ocmpoma in : other , trackbackOver at Strange Maps, there’s a wonderful map of the lower Mississippi. It shows, using various colors for each one, the various paths that the river has taken in the past. It is fascinating to look at.
Having read The Map That Changed the World, I was instantly struck by the river map and its resemblance to William Smith’s early geologic maps; it is a remarkable example of how well a map can reveal information in ways that no other medium really can. SM also notes of how well the map hints at the transient nature of the Mississippi’s current path, and the fate of cities tied to it. Surely we can keep it flowing on its current course as long as the status quo remains, but sudden geologic events such as a large enough quake can change all of that in an afternoon.
Tags for this article: maps , science
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