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Description
In this programme Paul Vaughan introduces us to the idea that it was mainly a study of dry land - namely that of the Troodos Massif of Cyprus - that led to the current understanding of the composit...ion and formation of oceanic crust. Professor Ian Gass of the Open University played a significant part in this example of research in the Earth Sciences. He explains how a study of the geology and gravity anomalies found on Cyprus led to his publication, with Dr. David Masson-Smith, of a mechanism for the formation of the Troodos Massif beneath the ocean, and its subsequent uplift to form dry land. This mechanism was proposed before the emergence of the theory of sea floor spreading. At the end of the programme we are introduced to Dr. Fred Vine whose work on the magnetic properties of the sea floor had confirmed the sea floor spreading theory. He explains why he and his colleague, Professor Eldridge Moores, came, to Cyprus in 1968 to further their work on sea floor spreading.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Item code: S2-4; 02
First transmission date: 29-07-1973
Published: 1973
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:22:41
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Producer: Andrew Crilly
Contributors: Ian Gass; David Masson-Smith; Paul Vaughan
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Formation of oceanic crust; Geology and gravity anomalies; Magnetic evidence; Sea floor spreading theory; Troodos Massif
Footage description: Shot of animated diagram showing ocean floor layer Shot of a topographical model of Cyprus. Several shots of various parts of Cyprus. Shots of the Troodos Massif. Commentary explains the reason for the geological interest in Cyprus and in the Troodos Massif in particular. Paul Vaughan discusses the history of geological interest in Cyprus, which led to an understanding of the composition and formation of oceanic crust. Ian Gass uses the topographical model and a map of Cyprus to discuss some of the geological features of the island. Paul Vaughan gives the background to the controversy over the origins of the Troodos Massif. Ian Gass uses a cut-away model of a volcano to show that the origins of the Massif were not volcanic as was thought by some. Paul Vaughan sums up the state of knowledge of the origins of Troodos as it was in the late 1950s. Ian Gass sums up the state of geological knowledge about the Troodos Massif as it was in the late 1950s. Maps of Cyprus show some of the geological features and magnetic anomalies of the island. Shots of Cyprus and Cypriot peasant pumping water from a well:commentary describes the survey for underground water which was undertaken on Cyprus and how this led to the investigation of the origins of the Troodos Massif. Animated map shows gravity anomalies which were found by the survey. Paul Vaughan explains the significance of gravity anomalies. Ian Gass describes the work he and David Masson-Smith did to determine the origins of the Troodos Massif. He explains how they went about their work. Shot of map of the eastern Mediterranean showing how the geology of Cyprus fits into the larger picture. Paul Vaughan sums up the programme so far. Fred Vine and Ian Gass discuss their work in determining the origins of the Massif. Paul Vaughan joins the discussion.
Production number: 00525_1014
Videofinder number: 669
Available to public: no