Biographies - United States
Louis Agassiz (1807–1873)
The father of glaciology and a seminal figure in American geology, from the University of California Museum of Paleontology site.
The father of glaciology and a seminal figure in American geology, from the University of California Museum of Paleontology site.
Louis Agassiz
Part of James Aber's history-of-geology course at Emporia State University is this fine biography.
Part of James Aber's history-of-geology course at Emporia State University is this fine biography.
Elso Barghoorn (1915–1984)
The Brooklyn-born paleontologist pushed fossil science deep into the Precambrian; a biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
The Brooklyn-born paleontologist pushed fossil science deep into the Precambrian; a biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Florence Bascom (18621945)
America's first woman geologist and much more, a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
America's first woman geologist and much more, a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
John A. Blume (19092002)
A founding father of earthquake engineering, Blume is remembered at the Blume Center site at Stanford University.
A founding father of earthquake engineering, Blume is remembered at the Blume Center site at Stanford University.
Wallace Broecker (1931– )
Until the American geochemist's biography is written, this career summary, issued in 2007 when Broecker won the Crafoord Prize, will have to do.
Until the American geochemist's biography is written, this career summary, issued in 2007 when Broecker won the Crafoord Prize, will have to do.
Bill Brosgι (1921–2005)
When the man who first mapped the North Slope of Alaska got the Dibblee Medal in 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey mounted this splendid tribute with dozens of precious historical photographs.
When the man who first mapped the North Slope of Alaska got the Dibblee Medal in 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey mounted this splendid tribute with dozens of precious historical photographs.
Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin (18431928)
The influential glacial geologist, educator, and philosopher of science is treated for James Aber's history-of-geology course at Emporia State University.
The influential glacial geologist, educator, and philosopher of science is treated for James Aber's history-of-geology course at Emporia State University.
T.C. Chamberlin
Another rather different version of Chamberlin's life from GSA Today.
Another rather different version of Chamberlin's life from GSA Today.
Preston Cloud (19121991)
The wide-ranging scientist, best remembered for his studies of earliest life, is treated in this "rock star" profile (PDF) from the Geological Society of America.
The wide-ranging scientist, best remembered for his studies of earliest life, is treated in this "rock star" profile (PDF) from the Geological Society of America.
Edward Drinker Cope (1840–1897)
A leader in the golden age of American fossil collecting, from the University of California Museum of Paleontology site.
A leader in the golden age of American fossil collecting, from the University of California Museum of Paleontology site.
Edward Drinker Cope
A short bio of the American paleontologist (and type specimen for Homo sapiens) is here, part of Michon Scott's Strange Science site.
A short bio of the American paleontologist (and type specimen for Homo sapiens) is here, part of Michon Scott's Strange Science site.
Charles Corry (1938– )
Chuck Corry is well known only to students of laccoliths, but his online autobiography is a clear, honest look at the life and thoughts of a geologist.
Chuck Corry is well known only to students of laccoliths, but his online autobiography is a clear, honest look at the life and thoughts of a geologist.
Allan Cox (1926–1987)
American paleomagnetician whose work was crucial for plate tectonics; a biography from the American Geophysical Union.
American paleomagnetician whose work was crucial for plate tectonics; a biography from the American Geophysical Union.
Reginald Daly (18711957)
Canadian-born R.A. Daly made his mark in Canada and the United States as a leader in igneous petrology. A "rock star" profile from GSA Today.
Canadian-born R.A. Daly made his mark in Canada and the United States as a leader in igneous petrology. A "rock star" profile from GSA Today.
James Dwight Dana (18131895)
This prominent American "mineralogist, zoologist, geologist, explorer" is given the "rock star" treatment in GSA Today.
This prominent American "mineralogist, zoologist, geologist, explorer" is given the "rock star" treatment in GSA Today.
William Morris Davis (1850–1934)
Founder of geomorphology and the National Geographic Society, Davis is remembered on this site at Valparaiso University.
Founder of geomorphology and the National Geographic Society, Davis is remembered on this site at Valparaiso University.
Tom Dibblee (1911–2004)
A giant of California geology and the greatest geologic mapper of them all, his biography is on the Dibblee Geological Foundation site.
A giant of California geology and the greatest geologic mapper of them all, his biography is on the Dibblee Geological Foundation site.
Tom Dibblee, My Science Hero
Harold Sullwold, a Senior Fellow of the GSA, built this page on the Science Heroes site, saying "Tom is my hero because he continued throughout his life the pursuit of his boyhood dream."
Harold Sullwold, a Senior Fellow of the GSA, built this page on the Science Heroes site, saying "Tom is my hero because he continued throughout his life the pursuit of his boyhood dream."
Robert S. Dietz (1914–1995)
A brilliant pioneer in plate tectonics and oceanography, Dietz is remembered at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography site.
A brilliant pioneer in plate tectonics and oceanography, Dietz is remembered at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography site.
Clarence Dutton (1841–1912)
This noted tectonicist, seismologist and explorer of volcanoes and the West is memorialized in GSA Today.
This noted tectonicist, seismologist and explorer of volcanoes and the West is memorialized in GSA Today.
Jack Eddy (1932 )
The solar scientist who put the Maunder Minimum on the map reflects on his scientific life and times in this interview for the American Geophysical Union history section.
The solar scientist who put the Maunder Minimum on the map reflects on his scientific life and times in this interview for the American Geophysical Union history section.
James Eights (17981882)
The first geologist to examine the rocks of the Antarctic left a scant legacy, but it's all collected on this tantalizing page prepared by Sam Bowser of Albany, New York.
The first geologist to examine the rocks of the Antarctic left a scant legacy, but it's all collected on this tantalizing page prepared by Sam Bowser of Albany, New York.
Walter Elsasser (19041991)
The life of this seminal geophysicist, who fathered the geodynamo theory, is treated in exhaustive detail by the National Academy of Sciences.
The life of this seminal geophysicist, who fathered the geodynamo theory, is treated in exhaustive detail by the National Academy of Sciences.
K. O. Emery (1914–1998)
This pioneer of marine geology is given the "rock star" treatment from GSA Today (PDF).
This pioneer of marine geology is given the "rock star" treatment from GSA Today (PDF).
W. Maurice Ewing (19061974)
A "driving force in marine geology," this influential researcher and leader is given a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
A "driving force in marine geology," this influential researcher and leader is given a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
Scott Forbush (19041984)
His meticulous data on cosmic rays were the foundation of solar-planetary space physics. This biography, written by James Van Allen, is on the National Academy of Sciences site.
His meticulous data on cosmic rays were the foundation of solar-planetary space physics. This biography, written by James Van Allen, is on the National Academy of Sciences site.
Benjamin Franklin (17061790)
Franklin contributed to basic and applied geoscience with a selflessness all his own.
Franklin contributed to basic and applied geoscience with a selflessness all his own.
G. K. Gilbert (18431918)
A giant of American geology, a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
A giant of American geology, a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
Winifred Goldring (18881971)
This pioneering American paleontologist is profiled by the About Women's History Guide.
This pioneering American paleontologist is profiled by the About Women's History Guide.
Winifred Goldring
Another biography from the New York State Museum.
Another biography from the New York State Museum.
Stephen Jay Gould (1942—2002)
The great expositor of evolutionary theory for our age doesn't yet have a decent online biography, but this appreciation in Salon is a good start. Don't miss the link to the interview, either.
The great expositor of evolutionary theory for our age doesn't yet have a decent online biography, but this appreciation in Salon is a good start. Don't miss the link to the interview, either.
Stephen Jay Gould Archive
Miguel Chavez of Yuba College created this unofficial site with much material on Gould and his writings.
Miguel Chavez of Yuba College created this unofficial site with much material on Gould and his writings.
Beno Gutenberg (18891960)
The greatest observational seismologist of them all, Gutenberg divided his career between Germany and America. A biography from the National Academy of Sciences.
The greatest observational seismologist of them all, Gutenberg divided his career between Germany and America. A biography from the National Academy of Sciences.
Arnold Guyot (1807–1884)
This Swiss-born glaciologist and geographer is the eponym for the world's flat-topped seamounts. A biography by Alexander Leitch in "A Princeton Companion."
This Swiss-born glaciologist and geographer is the eponym for the world's flat-topped seamounts. A biography by Alexander Leitch in "A Princeton Companion."
James Hall (1811–1898)
Hall was "North America's preeminent paleontologist and geologist of the nineteenth century," says Robert Dott in this memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Hall was "North America's preeminent paleontologist and geologist of the nineteenth century," says Robert Dott in this memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
David Harker (19061991)
A life devoted to crystallography is recounted in the National Academy of Sciences biography.
A life devoted to crystallography is recounted in the National Academy of Sciences biography.
Bernhard Haurwitz (19051986)
This German-born atmospheric physicist spent his long and productive career in North America. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
This German-born atmospheric physicist spent his long and productive career in North America. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Harry Hess (1906–1969)
Father of seafloor spreading and a seminal tectonic thinker, a biography from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Father of seafloor spreading and a seminal tectonic thinker, a biography from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Joseph P. Iddings (18571920)
A major founder of modern petrology and the man for whom iddingsite is named; a memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
A major founder of modern petrology and the man for whom iddingsite is named; a memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Harold James (1912—2000)
Hal James first deciphered the banded iron formation, benefiting the whole world. His long and varied career is remembered on the National Academy of Sciences site.
Hal James first deciphered the banded iron formation, benefiting the whole world. His long and varied career is remembered on the National Academy of Sciences site.
William Kaula (19262000)
He laid the groundwork for the GPS satellite network and pioneered planetology as well; a memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
He laid the groundwork for the GPS satellite network and pioneered planetology as well; a memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Willliam Kaula
A shorter tribute with some extra details from UCLA, where Kaula worked for many years.
A shorter tribute with some extra details from UCLA, where Kaula worked for many years.
Kerry Kelts (1947–2001)
A prime mover in bringing marine methods to the study of lakes and the father of limnogeology, remembered here by the International Association of Limnology.
A prime mover in bringing marine methods to the study of lakes and the father of limnogeology, remembered here by the International Association of Limnology.
Clarence King (1842–1901)
Explorer of California and the mountain West, first head of the USGS and "best and brightest man of his generation," King gets the "rock star" treatment from the Geological Society of America.
Explorer of California and the mountain West, first head of the USGS and "best and brightest man of his generation," King gets the "rock star" treatment from the Geological Society of America.
Joseph Leidy (1823–1891)
An American pioneer in vertebrate paleontology as well as medical research, his life is laid out in profusely illustrated detail on the Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia) site.
An American pioneer in vertebrate paleontology as well as medical research, his life is laid out in profusely illustrated detail on the Academy of Natural Sciences (Philadelphia) site.
Leo Lesquereux (1806–1889)
A notable paleobotanist, student of coal, and deaf scientist, from Clark Kimberling's biographical site.
A notable paleobotanist, student of coal, and deaf scientist, from Clark Kimberling's biographical site.
Helen Tappan Loeblich (1917–2004)
One of the greatest names in paleontology, Helen worked on microfossils for six decades with her husband Al Loeblich.
One of the greatest names in paleontology, Helen worked on microfossils for six decades with her husband Al Loeblich.
J. David Love (19132002)
The man who mapped Wyoming was profiled by Geotimes two years before his death.
The man who mapped Wyoming was profiled by Geotimes two years before his death.
Tom Lovering (18961991)
An influential investigator of ore deposition, this illustrious mapper and geochemist is memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
An influential investigator of ore deposition, this illustrious mapper and geochemist is memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
Heinz Lowenstam (1912–1993)
A pioneer in the isotopic chemistry of fossils and owner of a fascinating life story, recounted by Joseph Kirschvink for the National Academy of Science.
A pioneer in the isotopic chemistry of fossils and owner of a fascinating life story, recounted by Joseph Kirschvink for the National Academy of Science.
Gordon Macdonald (1929–2002)
An intellectual powerhouse and prime mover in climate-change science, remembered on the National Academy of Science site by Walter Munk, Naomi Oreskes, and Richard Muller.
An intellectual powerhouse and prime mover in climate-change science, remembered on the National Academy of Science site by Walter Munk, Naomi Oreskes, and Richard Muller.
William Maclure (1763–1840)
Father of American geology, from Clark Kimberling's biographical site.
Father of American geology, from Clark Kimberling's biographical site.
Kirtley Mather (1888–1978)
Mather began his career in geology, then became one of the US's leading public scientific voices starting with the 1925 Scopes trial. A "Rock Star" profile (PDF) from GSA Today.
Mather began his career in geology, then became one of the US's leading public scientific voices starting with the 1925 Scopes trial. A "Rock Star" profile (PDF) from GSA Today.
John C. Merriam (1869–1945)
Excavator of the tar pits of Rancho La Brea and builder of institutions, from the University of California Museum of Paleontology site.
Excavator of the tar pits of Rancho La Brea and builder of institutions, from the University of California Museum of Paleontology site.
Tom McEvilly (1934–2002)
A powerhouse of field seismology, McEvilly is remembered as a scientist and human being at the University of California at Berkeley.
A powerhouse of field seismology, McEvilly is remembered as a scientist and human being at the University of California at Berkeley.
Edwin McKee (1906–1984)
A student of the Grand Canyon and sediments the world over, McKee is treated like a "Rock Star" by GSA Today (PDF).
A student of the Grand Canyon and sediments the world over, McKee is treated like a "Rock Star" by GSA Today (PDF).
Raymond Moore (1892–1974)
Mapper of the American Midwest and, among other things, founder of the "Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology"; a "rock star" treatment by the Geological Society of America.
Mapper of the American Midwest and, among other things, founder of the "Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology"; a "rock star" treatment by the Geological Society of America.
Alfred O. C. Nier (19111994)
An important early worker in isotope systematics and a gifted experimenter, Nier laid the foundations of today's precise age dating techniques. A memorial from the National Academy of Sciences.
An important early worker in isotope systematics and a gifted experimenter, Nier laid the foundations of today's precise age dating techniques. A memorial from the National Academy of Sciences.
William Nierenberg (1919–2000)
Nierenberg's second career was in oceanography, where he made signal contributions in climate-change theory. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Nierenberg's second career was in oceanography, where he made signal contributions in climate-change theory. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Everett Olson (19101993)
One the century's great vertebrate paleontologists, who brought ecological insight into his field, memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
One the century's great vertebrate paleontologists, who brought ecological insight into his field, memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
John Ostrom (1928–2005)
A central figure in 20th-century dinosaur studies, Ostrom is memorialized in thie Yale press release.
A central figure in 20th-century dinosaur studies, Ostrom is memorialized in thie Yale press release.
Timothy O'Sullivan (1840–1882)
This pioneering American photographer accompanied Clarence King, G. K. Gilbert and George Wheeler in the field. The master's thesis of Web designer Elizabeth Paul includes some fine photos.
This pioneering American photographer accompanied Clarence King, G. K. Gilbert and George Wheeler in the field. The master's thesis of Web designer Elizabeth Paul includes some fine photos.
David Dale Owen (1807–1860)
A pioneering geologist in the American Midwest who oversaw the first geological surveys of Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas, biographical site by Clark Kimberling.
A pioneering geologist in the American Midwest who oversaw the first geological surveys of Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas, biographical site by Clark Kimberling.
Richard Owen (1810–1890)
State Geologist of Indiana, early expert on earthquakes, and first president of Purdue University, from Clark Kimberling's history site.
State Geologist of Indiana, early expert on earthquakes, and first president of Purdue University, from Clark Kimberling's history site.
Clair Patterson (19221995)
The man who determined the age of the Earth and greatly advanced the science of isotopic dating, memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
The man who determined the age of the Earth and greatly advanced the science of isotopic dating, memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
Charles S. Peirce (18391914)
One of America's most original people, this philosopher contributed to geodesy, metrology, and oceanic research. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hosts this biography.
One of America's most original people, this philosopher contributed to geodesy, metrology, and oceanic research. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hosts this biography.
Chaim Pekeris (1908–1993)
Born in Lithuania, Pekeris made fundamental contributions to seismology in the USA and was a founder of Israel's scientific institutions. His biography is on the National Academy of Science site.
Born in Lithuania, Pekeris made fundamental contributions to seismology in the USA and was a founder of Israel's scientific institutions. His biography is on the National Academy of Science site.
Frank Perret (1867–1943)
An American who fell in love with volcanoes and bacame "the hero of Vesuvius," Perret is remembered at length by writer Tom Gidwitz.
An American who fell in love with volcanoes and bacame "the hero of Vesuvius," Perret is remembered at length by writer Tom Gidwitz.
Charles Piggot (18921973)
He brought the geological techniques of landlubbers to the sediments of the deep sea floor, opening two-thirds of the globe to Earth science. A memorial by the National Academy of Sciences.
He brought the geological techniques of landlubbers to the sediments of the deep sea floor, opening two-thirds of the globe to Earth science. A memorial by the National Academy of Sciences.
John Wesley Powell (1834–1902)
Trailblazer of the Grand Canyon and dynamic scientific leader, his biography is on the Powell Memorial Museum site.
Trailblazer of the Grand Canyon and dynamic scientific leader, his biography is on the Powell Memorial Museum site.
Roger Revelle (19091991)
Not just a great oceanographer but a noted public servant, manager, and communicator, Revelle is memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
Not just a great oceanographer but a noted public servant, manager, and communicator, Revelle is memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
John Reynolds (1923–2000)
An originator of nuclear cosmochemistry--studying the origin of the Earth in meteorites--Reynolds is memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
An originator of nuclear cosmochemistry--studying the origin of the Earth in meteorites--Reynolds is memorialized by the National Academy of Sciences.
Charles F. Richter (19001985)
Deviser of the first decent earthquake magnitude scale and a great popularizer of seismology, Richter is interviewed here by the USGS's Henry Spall.
Deviser of the first decent earthquake magnitude scale and a great popularizer of seismology, Richter is interviewed here by the USGS's Henry Spall.
Hans Seuss (1909–1993)
Third of the Austrian geologic dynasty, Seuss made basic contributions to planetary chemistry, meteoritics and radiocarbon dating. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Third of the Austrian geologic dynasty, Seuss made basic contributions to planetary chemistry, meteoritics and radiocarbon dating. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Francis Shepard (1897–1985)
Shepard was called the father of marine geology for his approach to the continental shelves and global outlook. A "Rock Star" profile from GSE Today (PDF).
Shepard was called the father of marine geology for his approach to the continental shelves and global outlook. A "Rock Star" profile from GSE Today (PDF).
George Gaylord Simpson (19021984)
The great American paleontologist is remembered by Everett Olson for the National Academy of Sciences Biographical Memoirs.
The great American paleontologist is remembered by Everett Olson for the National Academy of Sciences Biographical Memoirs.
George Gaylord Simpson
Léo Laporte, Simpson's biographer, has a site of deeper resources on the great paleontologist's life.
Léo Laporte, Simpson's biographer, has a site of deeper resources on the great paleontologist's life.
Louis B. Slichter (1896–1978)
Slichter was a pioneer in many areas of geophysics, including heat flow, free oscillations, crustal seismology and mineral exploration. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Slichter was a pioneer in many areas of geophysics, including heat flow, free oscillations, crustal seismology and mineral exploration. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Robert E. Sloan (1930– )
The American paleontologist talks about his life and career with Joe Cain of University College London.
The American paleontologist talks about his life and career with Joe Cain of University College London.
Henry Stommel (19201992)
"The most original and important physical oceanographer of all time" is remembered in this National Academy of Sciences memoir.
"The most original and important physical oceanographer of all time" is remembered in this National Academy of Sciences memoir.
Dorothy L. Stout (1941–2001)
"An admired and revered leader in geoscience education" is remembered at the Dibblee Foundation site.
"An admired and revered leader in geoscience education" is remembered at the Dibblee Foundation site.
Harald Sverdrup (18881957)
Born in Norway, Sverdrup came to fame as an Arctic explorer and later as the revolutionary leader of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. A memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Born in Norway, Sverdrup came to fame as an Arctic explorer and later as the revolutionary leader of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. A memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Marie Tharp (19202006)
Compiler of seafloor maps that first made the hidden Earth visible, Tharp's life and work are summarized in the links page of marietharp.com.
Compiler of seafloor maps that first made the hidden Earth visible, Tharp's life and work are summarized in the links page of marietharp.com.
Randy Tufts (1948–2002)
Randy Tufts explored Arizona's caves and Jupiter's moon Europa. Obituary reprinted from Eos.
Randy Tufts explored Arizona's caves and Jupiter's moon Europa. Obituary reprinted from Eos.
Francis Turner (19041985)
Turner transformed the science of petrology; he also was a noted and beloved leader both in his native New Zealand and at the University of California. A memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Turner transformed the science of petrology; he also was a noted and beloved leader both in his native New Zealand and at the University of California. A memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Harold Urey (18931981)
Urey's seminal work in physics and chemistry laid the foundations for several whole branches of Earth scienceplus cosmology and the origin of life. A memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Urey's seminal work in physics and chemistry laid the foundations for several whole branches of Earth scienceplus cosmology and the origin of life. A memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
Victor Vacquier (1907 )
The "magnetician" whose inventions and observations laid the firm ground of data beneath plate tectonics is given a brief biography by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
The "magnetician" whose inventions and observations laid the firm ground of data beneath plate tectonics is given a brief biography by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Clyde Wahrhaftig (19191994)
This remarkable generalist is fondly remembered on the University of California, Berkeley site.
This remarkable generalist is fondly remembered on the University of California, Berkeley site.
Charles Walcott (18501927)
A great American paleontologist (discoverer of the Burgess Shale) and leader, a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
A great American paleontologist (discoverer of the Burgess Shale) and leader, a "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
Robert M. Walker (1929–2004)
With his invention of fission-track dating, Walker studied the ages of Moon rocks, meteorites, stardust and archaeological objects. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
With his invention of fission-track dating, Walker studied the ages of Moon rocks, meteorites, stardust and archaeological objects. A biographical memoir from the National Academy of Sciences.
David White (1862–1935)
A New York farmboy who rose to eminence through studying (and drawing) the plant fossils of coal country. A "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
A New York farmboy who rose to eminence through studying (and drawing) the plant fossils of coal country. A "rock star" profile by the Geological Society of America.
Howel Williams (18981980)
A "rock star" profile of this pioneering volcanologist from GSA Today, in PDF format.
A "rock star" profile of this pioneering volcanologist from GSA Today, in PDF format.
Newton H. Winchell (1845?–1914)
A great mapper and generalist, founder (and eponym) of the University of Minnesota's college of geology, remembered at the U Minn site.
A great mapper and generalist, founder (and eponym) of the University of Minnesota's college of geology, remembered at the U Minn site.