Marine geology
After studying geology in Iowa, Heezen pursued marine research under Maurice Ewing’s influence and continued graduate study at Columbia. He worked at Lamont from 1949 and received his doctorate in 1957.
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Cruise data and mapping
Heezen gathered shipboard observations while Tharp plotted profiles and maps, also incorporating records from other vessels. Their 1957 North Atlantic map brought the ridge system into a clearer visual form.
Mapping ocean basins
The team subsequently produced Indian, Atlantic and Pacific ocean-floor maps, followed by the global map in 1977. Heezen died that year, and Tharp continued the work. The maps became important records for studying seafloor terrain and tectonics.