Episode 397 - "Terps"

Don't Panic Geocast

This week, we delve into the fascinating world of the ancient dwelling mounds—terps—of the northern Netherlands. These man-made mounds served as elevated homes for communities living in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Join us as we explore the geology of these mounds, why they were essential for survival, and how modern technology is used to monitor soil subsidence and preserve these unique archaeological sites.

Learn More:

• Wierdenland Museum: Information about the museum and its exhibits on dwelling mounds.
• Late-Holocene sea-level reconstruction and sedimentological data: An in-depth academic article on the evolution of the coastal landscape and sea-level changes influencing terp construction.

Fun Paper Friday Summary:

In this episode’s Fun Paper Friday, we discuss B.F. Skinner’s “Pigeons in a Pelican.” The paper recounts the story of "Project Pigeon," a World War II experiment that explored using pigeons to guide missiles by pecking at visual targets. Though the project faced skepticism and was never implemented in combat, it highlighted the potential of animal training and laid a foundation for behaviorist research. The study is a testament to how creative ideas can push the boundaries of science, even if they seem outlandish at first.

Skinner, B. F. (1960). Pigeons in a Pelican.