Hannah M. Bonner
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
Leilani A. Arthurs
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA
Ellen K. Roth
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80205, USA
James W. Hagadorn*
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80205, USA
Abstract
Paleogeographic maps are one of the most used earth science communication tools, but their efficacy with
audiences remains uninvestigated. We present new data that begins to close this gap, gleaned from an
intercept interview study of two communities—practicing geoscientists (i.e., “professionals”) and adults who
visit locations where paleogeographic maps are commonly displayed (“the public”). In this work, we sought to
determine: (1) how commonly used paleogeographic maps convey the terrain and climate of ancient Earth; and
(2) how community perception informs new practices for creating paleogeographic maps. When presented with
paleogeographic maps, the public can identify about three large-scale landscape features (often including
mountains and ocean) but not smaller or more subtle geomorphic features (e.g., rivers, volcanos, or plains).
In contrast, practicing geoscientists identify about five features at a variety of spatial scales. Given an
example of a warm, wet landscape, public audiences can describe one of two components of portrayed climate
(i.e., warm or wet), but are less adept at identifying both climate components. Professionals are better
able to identify climate components but are only able to fully describe climate 55% of the time.
Paleogeographic maps catalyze curiosity in both public and professional audiences, commonly prompting
questions or hypotheses about how ancient Earth reached modern-day conditions or about the time period
shown. Professional geoscientists also want more information on sources of data. Recommendations to enhance
the efficacy of paleographic maps include adding data sources and employing an aesthetic with detailed
bathymetric shading, high contrast, and explicit climate indicators.
James Hagadorn
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1258-3525
*jwhagadorn@dmns.org
CITATION: Bonner, H.M., Arthurs, L.A., Roth, E.K., and Hagadorn, J.W., 2023, Paleogeographic maps: Audience
insights on portrayal of ancient terrain and climate: GSA Today, v. 33, p. 4–10, https://doi.org/10.1130/GSATG544A.1 © 2023 The Authors. Gold Open Access:
This paper is published under the terms of the CC-BY-NC license. Printed in the USA.
Manuscript received 20 Apr. 2022. Revised manuscript received 26 Oct. 2022.
Manuscript accepted 6 July 2023. Posted 31 July 2023.
© The Geological Society of America, 2023. CC-BY-NC.
https://doi.org/10.1130/GSATG544A.1