In today's world, Thomas van der Hammen has become a topic of great relevance and discussion in different areas. From politics to popular culture, Thomas van der Hammen has captured the attention of many people and generated unprecedented debate. Its impact has been felt everywhere, provoking reflections on the past, present and future. In this article, we will explore the many facets and dimensions of Thomas van der Hammen, analyzing its repercussions on today's society and offering a unique perspective on this phenomenon.
Thomas van der Hammen | |
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Born | |
Died | 12 March 2010 | (aged 85)
Nationality | Dutch |
Alma mater | Leiden University |
Known for | Geology, palaeontology |
Spouse | Anita Malo |
Children | Cornelis, María Clara |
Awards | Premio a la vida y obra, fondo para la protección del medio ambiente, 1995 |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Geology, palaeontology of Colombia |
Thesis | Late-glacial flora and periglacial phenomena in the Netherlands (1951) |
Thomas van der Hammen (Schiedam, Netherlands, 27 September 1924 - Chía, Colombia, 12 March 2010) was a Dutch palaeontologist, botanist and geologist. He had published more than 160 works in five languages.
Thomas van der Hammen was born in the city of Schiedam in South Holland, western The Netherlands and studied botany and palaeontology at Leiden University from 1944 to 1949. He was a deeply religious man.
After his studies and years of research at the University of Amsterdam, Van der Hammen arrived in Bogotá in 1951.
Thomas van der Hammen analysed the Bogotá savanna and concluded a great lake (Lake Humboldt) was present there around 60,000 years BP, covering present-day Bogotá, Soacha, Funza, Mosquera, Madrid, Cota, Chía and Cajicá. Van der Hammen has contributed greatly to the understanding of the geology of the Bogotá savanna and surrounding areas. He has worked with Gonzalo Correal Urrego towards an understanding of the prehistoric sites, as El Abra, Tequendama and Tibitó in central Colombia and has defined and described various geological formations, such as the Marichuela, Tunjuelo, and Subachoque Formations. His paleobotanical background proved valuable in dating the continental Cacho Formation.
In 2000, a natural reserve in the north of Bogotá bordering Chía and Cota, Thomas van der Hammen Natural Reserve, was named after the naturalist. The mayor of Bogotá, Enrique Peñalosa who ran twice for the Green Party, allowed for the construction of homes in the reserve, leading to protests of the people.
In 2003, Dr. van der Hammen granted a wide-ranging interview to Radio Netherlands about his work and his life.
The standard author abbreviation Hammen is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name.