Atlas der Geologie

A thematic "Atlas of geology" was the first volume from a series of 7 volumes of Berghaus Physikalischer Atlas. It was compiled under the leadership of Hermann Berghaus, nephew of Heinrich Berghaus, the author of the first edition, and published by Justus Perthes in Gotha in 1892. Unfortunately Hermann Berghaus died two years prior to publishing of this atlas, and Karl Alfred von Zittel had to finish the initial 7 pages which Berghaus reserved to himself. Zittel respected the original plan of Berghaus and finished the maps from Berghaus' sketches.

Although the maps of the geological department were largely completed by Berghaus personally, unfortunately there was no sufficiently examined material in his legacy that would have enabled someone without knowledge to write a text on these maps, i.e. H. to provide concise, substantiated information about the sources used.

Moreover, the planned map number 7 - Europe in 4 ages - had to be completely omitted due to the lack of material from the deceased Berghaus. Interestingly, the decision was made not to reduce the total number of maps, despite the absence of map number 7. To address this discrepancy, the publisher opted for assigning a double number "VII/VIII" to one map plate. Curiously, despite this adjustment, the atlas continued to be advertised as having 15 plates, when in reality, it comprised only 14.

The first 7 maps of the atlas are general, elaborating on topics like highlands and lowlands, tectonics and volcanic activities, land and soil, distribution of ice in the past and present, icebergs and geological overview of the world. Remaining 7 maps consist of general geology maps of each continents, and one extra map of the geology of the Alps.

One particularly remarkable map within the collection is titled "The Activities of the Inner Earth." This map visually depicts the distribution and extent of volcanic and tectonic activities spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. Notably, the map highlights the aftermath of the eruption of Krakatoa on August 27, 1883, considered the loudest event ever recorded in human history, claiming the lives of over 30 thousand individuals.

The main focus of the map is on showcasing the hourly progression of the tsunami wave triggered by the Krakatoa eruption. Additionally, the map identifies areas affected by the fallout of volcanic ash resulting from the most significant eruptions around the world. This comprehensive representation provides a visual narrative of the historical impact and reach of Earth's inner activities during a significant period, offering insights into the catastrophic events that shaped the geological and human landscape.