'Physiographic Diagram Atlantic Ocean (Sheet 1)'
Three-colour offset-lithographic folding physiographic and bathymetric map, with accompanying technical journal, 1957
A landmark three-colour map—the first comprehensive map of any ocean basin—of the North Atlantic between 17° and 50° north. Compiled by Bruce C. Heezen and Marie Tharp from continuous echo-sounding traverses, pictorial hachuring and 20:1 vertical exaggeration reveal continental shelves, abyssal plains, seamounts and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Tharp’s recognition of its axial rift valley, corroborated by earthquake epicentres, supplied influential evidence for continental drift and emerging plate tectonics. This is the map’s first full publication, retaining the September 1957 Bell System Technical Journal with which it was issued. The accompanying article, “Oceanographic Information for Engineering Submarine Cable Systems,” explains the immediate practical context: seabed relief, sediments, slopes and hazards informed cable design, route selection, laying and repair. Its appearance here reflects Bell Labs’ involvement in the survey challenges surrounding TAT-1, the first transatlantic telephone cable.
CAPTION BELOW PICTURE: 'Physiographic Diagram Atlantic Ocean (Sheet 1)'
DATE PRINTED: September 1957
IMAGE SIZE: Approx 145.5 x 75.0cm, 57.25 x 29.5 inches (Large); Please note that this is a folding map.
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Bruce C. Heezen (1924–1977) and Marie Tharp (1920–2006)
PROVENANCE: [New York: American Telephone and Telegraph Company], 1957. Reprinted by permission of Lamont Geological Observatory (Columbia University) and issued with C. H. Elmendorf and Bruce C. Heezen, “Oceanographic Information for Engineering Submarine Cable Systems”, The Bell System Technical Journal, vol. XXXVI, no. 5
TYPE: Three-colour offset-lithographic folding physiographic and bathymetric map, with accompanying technical journal
VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain
CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Short marginal splits and wear at junctures of map, repaired with tape verso. The journal has minor pen annotations to the top of the front cover. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy - see below.
AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique. 'Print' means any image created by applying an inked block to paper or card under pressure by any method including wood engraving, steel engraving, copperplate, wood cut and lithography.
REMARKS: FRANCE: Gravures et Cartes anciennes. DEUTSCHLAND: Alte Lankarten und Stadt ansichten. ITALIA: Stampe e Mappe antiche. ESPAÑA: Mapas antiquos y impresiones antiguas. E and OE. Force Majeure. English law shall apply.
RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition, suitably packed & insured, within 14 days of receipt.