Johnson Geo Centre
Encyclopedia
The Johnson Geo Centre is a geological interpretation centre located on Signal Hill
in St. John's, Newfoundland
. Most of the centre is located underground, in an excavated glacial formation that shows the exposed bedrock of the hill. The museum is named for philanthropist Paul Johnson
and opened in 2002.
The building is designed to take advantage of the geological features of Signal Hill
where most of the structure is below ground exposing natural rock formations. The area was originally a peat
filled area that was stripped of overburden
and a glass-encased structure of 2.5 stories was built atop the excavation. The building was built through the Johnson Family Foundation at a cost of $12 million. The building utilizes a heating and cooling system via six geothermal
wells drilled to a depth of 500 feet.
, CHIN
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
.
Signal Hill, Newfoundland and Labrador
Signal Hill is a hill which overlooks the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.Due to its strategic placement overlooking the harbour, fortifications have been placed on the hill since the mid 17th century.-History:...
in St. John's, Newfoundland
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. With a population of 192,326 as of July 1, 2010, the St...
. Most of the centre is located underground, in an excavated glacial formation that shows the exposed bedrock of the hill. The museum is named for philanthropist Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson (philanthropist)
Paul Jolliffe Johnson, ONL businessman and philanthropist born St. John's Newfoundland Canada, son of Marjorie and Arthur Johnson. Educated Prince of Wales College; King's College School, Windsor, Nova Scotia; Mount Allison Academy; Mount Allison University.A Commerce graduate, Johnson became...
and opened in 2002.
The building is designed to take advantage of the geological features of Signal Hill
Signal Hill, Newfoundland and Labrador
Signal Hill is a hill which overlooks the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.Due to its strategic placement overlooking the harbour, fortifications have been placed on the hill since the mid 17th century.-History:...
where most of the structure is below ground exposing natural rock formations. The area was originally a peat
Peat
Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter or histosol. Peat forms in wetland bogs, moors, muskegs, pocosins, mires, and peat swamp forests. Peat is harvested as an important source of fuel in certain parts of the world...
filled area that was stripped of overburden
Overburden
Overburden is the material that lies above an area of economic or scientific interest in mining and archaeology; most commonly the rock, soil, and ecosystem that lies above a coal seam or ore body. It is also known as 'waste' or 'spoil'...
and a glass-encased structure of 2.5 stories was built atop the excavation. The building was built through the Johnson Family Foundation at a cost of $12 million. The building utilizes a heating and cooling system via six geothermal
Geothermal heating
Geothermal heating is the direct use of geothermal energy for heating applications. Humans have taken advantage of geothermal heat this way since the Paleolithic era. Approximately seventy countries made direct use of a total of 270 PJ of geothermal heating in 2004...
wells drilled to a depth of 500 feet.
Affiliations
The Museum is affiliated with: CMACanadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is a national organization for the promotion of museums in Canada.The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The...
, CHIN
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Canadian Heritage Information Network is a Canadian government-supported organization that provides a networked interface to Canada's heritage, largely through the World Wide Web. It aims to give access to Canada's heritage for both Canadians and a worldwide audience, by supporting the...
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is Canada's national virtual museum. With a directory of over 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions and a database of over 600 virtual exhibits, the VMC brings together Canada's museums regardless of size or geographical location.The VMC includes virtual exhibits,...
.