In an effort to better understand tidal variations in the waters surrounding Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania, Thomas Lempriere and James Clark Ross undertook a significant scientific endeavor. They chose the Isle of the Dead, a small island off the coast, to carve a permanent marker. This marker would serve as a reference point for measuring the changes in sea levels over time, establishing one of the earliest recorded benchmarks for future research on sea level rise. The strategic location was selected not only for its geographic relevance but also for its relatively controlled environmental conditions that could provide clearer data concerning tidal movements.

Lempriere, a skilled surveyor and astronomer, collaborated with Ross, an accomplished polar explorer and naval officer, both driven by their scientific curiosity and commitment to advancing the fields of hydrography and meteorology. The precision and care involved in carving the marker highlighted the importance of methodical observation in the study of natural sciences. Their work relied heavily on the principles of astronomy and navigation, integrating the knowledge of tides with empirical measurement techniques.

The marker would eventually serve as a historical point of reference for understanding the gradual changes in sea levels, linking early 19th-century efforts to contemporary issues regarding climate change and its impending effects on coastal regions. This pioneering work underscored the necessity of establishing benchmarks for scientific inquiry into the effects of natural processes and human activity on the environment, influencing future studies in hydrology and environmental science.