Paleogeographic Maps: Audience Insights on Portrayal of Ancient Terrain and Climate

Abstract

Paleogeographic maps are one of the most used earth science communication tools, but their efficacy with audiences remains unin-vestigated. 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 paleo-geographic maps are commonly displayed (“the public”). In this work, we sought to determine: (1) how commonly used paleo-geographic 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.