1841day.year

Thomas Lempriere and James Clark Ross carve a marker on the Isle of the Dead in Van Diemen's Land to measure tidal variations, one of the earliest surviving benchmarks for sea level rise.

In 1841, Thomas Lempriere and James Clark Ross carved a tidal benchmark on the Isle of the Dead in Van Diemen’s Land to measure sea level changes.
On July 1, 1841, surveyor Thomas Lempriere and explorer James Clark Ross inscribed a marker on a cliff at the Isle of the Dead near Hobart, then called Van Diemen’s Land. The benchmark served to record high-water marks and tidal variations, creating one of the earliest surviving sea level measurements. Over subsequent decades, scientists revisited the site to track coastal change, offering valuable data for understanding long-term sea-level trends. The Isle of the Dead marker now stands as a testament to early environmental monitoring and colonial surveying practices. It is recognized for its contribution to climate science and maritime safety. Visitors can view the preserved benchmark as part of Tasmania’s cultural heritage.
1841 Thomas Lempriere James Clark Ross Isle of the Dead Van Diemen's Land sea level rise