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Difficulty: HardParagraph-Level Transitions

The following paragraphs are from an essay about cartographer Marie Tharp's mapping of the ocean floor. To make the passage most logical and cohesive, in what order should the paragraphs be arranged?

  1. 1In the early 1950s, geologist Marie Tharp began drafting the first comprehensive map of the ocean floor. Working with soundings collected by research vessels, she meticulously plotted the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. To her surprise, a distinct, continuous V-shaped valley emerged from her data, running straight down the center of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
  2. 2Initially, her collaborator Bruce Heezen dismissed this finding, famously labeling the rift valley 'girl talk' due to its radical implications. At the time, the geological establishment favored a static Earth model, and Tharp's rift strongly supported the controversial theory of continental drift. Heezen insisted she re-evaluate her drawings, suspecting an error in the sonar data.
  3. 3To address this skepticism, the pair compared the location of the controversial valley with the epicenters of recorded undersea earthquakes. When the map of seismic activity was overlaid onto Tharp's topographic drawings, the alignment was undeniable: the earthquakes occurred precisely along the center of the rift.
  4. 4This striking correlation finally convinced Heezen that the valley was real and that the ocean floor was indeed spreading. Their subsequent publication of the first physiographic map of the North Atlantic in 1957 provided the visual proof needed to shift scientific consensus toward plate tectonics.

Answer

The paragraphs should be arranged in the order starting with the discovery of the rift valley, followed by the collaborator's dismissal, then the earthquake comparison to address the skepticism, and ending with the final correlation and publication.
The correct order follows a clear chronological and logical progression. The first paragraph introduces Tharp mapping the ocean floor and finding a V-shaped valley. The second paragraph introduces collaborator Bruce Heezen's dismissal of 'this finding.' The third paragraph describes the comparison of the valley with earthquake epicenters to address 'this skepticism.' The final paragraph explains how 'this striking correlation' convinced Heezen, leading to their map's publication.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory paragraph that establishes the main topic.
The paragraph starting with 'In the early 1950s...' must come first because it introduces Marie Tharp, her work mapping the ocean floor, and the discovery of the V-shaped valley.
It provides the essential context and the initial finding upon which subsequent actions are based.
2
Look for transition links referencing the initial finding.
The paragraph starting with 'Initially, her collaborator...' must come second because it refers to 'this finding,' which points directly back to the V-shaped valley discovered in the first paragraph.
This establishes the initial conflict and Heezen's skepticism regarding Tharp's data.
3
Identify the response to the conflict/skepticism.
The paragraph starting with 'To address this skepticism...' must come third because it uses the transitional phrase 'this skepticism' to refer back to Heezen's dismissive reaction in the second paragraph.
It details the scientific investigation conducted to verify or disprove the original findings.
4
Locate the conclusion of the narrative arc.
The paragraph starting with 'This striking correlation...' must come last because 'This striking correlation' refers directly to the earthquake-to-valley alignment shown in the third paragraph, and it finishes the story with the publication of the map.
It summarizes the ultimate acceptance of the theory and the resolution of the scientific debate.

Key Concept

Identifying paragraph-level transition words, phrases, and logical connections to arrange paragraphs in a coherent sequence.
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Paragraph-Level Transitions

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