The importance of Matthew Maury's work included:
A) the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands.
B) the formulation of a working hypothesis for the formation of coral reefs.
C) the invention of a chronometer for the determination of longitude.
D) the charting of ocean currents that sailors used to significantly shorten their travel time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Matthew Maury's work on charting ocean currents allowed sailors to significantly shorten their travel time, paving the way for more efficient and safe navigation on the seas. His work also laid the foundation for modern oceanography. While he did make important contributions to geography and geology, such as hypothesizing the formation of coral reefs, he did not discover the Hawaiian Islands nor invent a chronometer for determining longitude.

The Importance of Matthew Maury's Work Included