Humboldt: physical geography, altitudinal zones and isotherms

What was discovered

On his journey through America, Humboldt measured everything (altitude, temperature, magnetism, vegetation) and conceived the Earth as an interconnected system: the vegetation zones of Chimborazo, isotherms, the Humboldt Current and the effect of deforestation on local climate.

Coordinates of Chimborazo, where in 1802 he reached the highest altitude recorded up to then (5878 m) and conceived his 'Naturgemälde'. He drew on the knowledge of indigenous and criollo guides.

What it led to

• Physical geography and biogeography
• Ecology and the concept of the 'web of life'
• Early warnings on human-caused environmental change
• Inspiration for Darwin

Built on

• Cyanometerc. 1787-1789
• Illustration and scientific expeditions
• 18th-century precision instruments

Made possible

• Berghaus's Physikalischer Atlas (first thematic atlas)1845-1848
• Chorographic Commission of Colombia1850-1859
• Isoline maps
• Coordinated magnetic observatories

📄 Original publication

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