Thermo-Hygrograph

The History of Geophysics by Bill Gafford

A Thermo-Hygrograph, which was used in the 1950’s as part of the International Geophysical Year program to study the earth.

Our Living Legends Doodlebugger social event on November 10 was well attended with a few new attendees, as well as some of the regulars. A few mystery items that have appeared in past GSH Journals were on display for discussion, as well as some of our newer donated instruments. These events are an opportunity for some of our senior members to gather, enjoy light snacks and catch up on current events in the oil patch. Everyone is invited and no registration is necessary. The next event will be on February 9th, 2022.

We continue to receive donations of books, manuals, and geoscience artifacts from the past. One interesting item received this fall is shown in the picture included with this article. It is a Thermo-Hygrograph, which was used in the 1950’s as part of the International Geophysical Year program to study the earth. Scientists from 67 nations participated in the coordinated program to learn about the physical properties of the earth, as well as the atmosphere. They shared their research with each other in order to produce a worldwide view of the earth based on the available technologies at the time. The instrument in the picture recorded temperature and humidity over extended periods of time. Although it is not a typical geoscience related item like the others we have at the Geoscience Center, it involves the exploration of the earth, and illustrates the technology from the 1950’s.

Volunteers are always needed to help research on some of our older instruments and artifacts to determine how they can fit into the exploration picture of their time. We have many projects available for anyone who would like to contribute to our activities.

Duplicate books, manuals and periodicals are available for free

This is another reminder that we still have plenty of books, manuals, and periodicals that are duplicates to our inventory and available for FREE. These include textbooks, training manuals, workshop notes, and a variety of geoscience related SEG and AAPG publications. Items in our permanent Library Collection are also available to be checked out.

Geoscience Center Hours

The Geoscience Center is usually open on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 until noon or by appointment, and visitors are always welcome. Please contact me at geogaf@hal-pc.org or 281-370-3264 for more information.

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