Pittsburgh Submit-Gazette: Nationwide Geographic’s choice to incorporate 5 oceans on the map is a reminder of the evolving consensus.

Consensus can change just as politicians and experts prefer to cite scientific consensus as an indisputable fact. New classification schemes can arise. Since the scientific method is fair to politics and sponsorship, new information can shake even the most firm beliefs. This flexibility and willingness to learn is the key to discovery and human knowledge.

However, when the basic truth suddenly seems to change, it can be harrowing. The number of planets, for example the number of oceans on earth.

In June, the National Geographic Society announced that it would recognize the Antarctic Ocean as a separate organization and add a fifth ocean to its map of the world’s waters.

The ocean is characterized by the intense East Arctic vortex and extends from the Antarctic coast to the 60th parallel south. The scientific community, including the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has recognized the existence of the fifth ocean since 1999, but there are no clearly defined boundaries and this perception has not yet been translated into common knowledge.

Twenty-two years later, approval of the Antarctic Ocean by one of the world’s leading mapping agencies assumes that many schools and teachers rely on National Geographic for free online materials, especially geography classes. And will begin to push this reclassification into the consciousness of the general public. ..

It’s not the first time Americans have awakened in decades. Suddenly they found that what they knew was wrong. Pluto was discovered in 1930 and was considered the ninth, so adults of a certain age were taught that there are nine objects orbiting the sun.

Astronomers then classified Pluto as a dwarf planet and reduced the number of planets in our solar system to eight. There were substantial public protests against Pluto’s “downgrade” but the decision stalled.

The classification system is important. “Dwarf planets” don’t seem to be as important as official planets. On the other side of the spectrum, it contains some of the fastest warming spaces on earth that change climate and play an important role in the world’s meteorological patterns. You can raise public awareness of the area.

The newly created Antarctic Ocean is full of evolving knowledge, good skepticism and constant cross-examination of how people think of their world, the importance of flexibility in absorbing new information and curiosity. It’s a reminder that it’s important.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: National Geographic’s decision to include five oceans on the map is a reminder of the evolving consensus.

Source link Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: National Geographic’s decision to include five oceans on the map is a reminder of the evolving consensus.