2007

®

GSA Medals & Awards

Presented at the

of the 119th Annual Meeting Geological Society of America S

27 October 2007 Denver, Colorado 2007 Medals & Awards

Penrose Medal Kevin’s contributions to geology since including his own most cherished views, the late sixties are great in range, including: and his sincerity and generosity in Presented to Kevin Burke models of the birth of rift valleys; ocean communicating his knowledge, have been the basins; vast areas of collision-related best lessons for a budding researcher. basement reactivation; influence of oceanic I must say honestly that I do not have the plateaus on the evolution of oceans and capacity to judge Kevin as a geologist or as continental margins; the nature of the an intellectual. He towers far too high above Archean and Proterozoic tectonics and related me in brains and in knowledge. I have been environments; the tectonic controls of basaltic both a student of geology and of its history. volcanicity; the nature of mantle plumes Three giants of geology remind me of Kevin and their relations to hot spots; how tectonic most by their character and the nature of their processes interact and control the hydrosphere accomplishments and by their love for what and the atmosphere and how they act on other Kevin calls “our beloved planet”: Alexander rocky planets such as Mars and Venus; and, von Humboldt, Sir Charles Lyell and Eduard how extraterrestrial intervention in terrestrial Suess. Giving Kevin the Penrose Medal affairs influence geological and biological honors not only Kevin Burke, but also the processes. Geological Society of America, and will add Ladies and gentlemen, trying to further luster to its already illustrious annals. Kevin Burke list Kevin’s contributions is impossible; That this honor comes to Kevin (and to the Professor impossible even if one keeps only to the Society) at this stage in Kevin’s career is I University of Houston general topics he has tackled throughout his think the best testimony to his being so much professional life. This is so, not only because further ahead than most. Its bestowal reflects the large numbers prevent us from doing so on us all as members of the international in a short time, but also because of the ways geological community comprehended under Citation by Celâl S¸engör Kevin contributed to science. In addition to the celebrated umbrella of the GSA and we, his published books, papers and abstracts, he the recipients of Kevin’s light, all bask in I appear before you today to undertake a has always been a great debater in meetings the glory that Kevin Burke has added to the task that marks one of the happiest occasions and an enthusiastic conversationalist. During attainments of our wonderful science. of my entire life: to present to you Professor his numerous conversations he has generously Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Kevin Burke as this year’s Penrose medalist. given ideas and data to many a future author. I consider it as one of the most wonderful A simple way of presenting him would have He purposefully annoyed many to drive them moments in my life to present to you this been to say that Kevin Burke has massively to produce better arguments and more data to year’s Penrose medalist, Professor Kevin furthered geology during his lifetime. In support their positions and thus to enrich our Charles Antony Burke, geologist. Kevin’s case, “furthering geology” must be understanding of the problems under debate. taken at its literal sense, implying furthering His memory is unequalled; his knowledge of the entire earth sciences taken at one embrace, world regional geology is truly staggering. Response by Kevin Burke as, for example, did Sir Charles Lyell in his I have not yet met a geologist anywhere time, or Eduard Suess in his, for I am unable The Penrose medal is an overwhelming more knowledgeable in the entire sweep of to think of any branch of geology, taken at its honor. The humbling terms of the endowment the earth sciences, i.e., geology in the old, Lyellian breadth, that Kevin has not furthered. say: Lyellian, that is to say, proper sense, than Kevin’s contributions start in the fifties Kevin Burke. His incredible quickness of “The award shall be made in recognition with field descriptions in his Ph.D. area in mind and the speed with which he can review of outstanding original contributions western Ireland and continue, till the mid- and bring to bear upon whatever may be at or achievements which mark a decided sixties, through his field papers concerning hand the relevant information, are a wonder to advance in the science of geology.” the geology of Africa and the Caribbean. watch. Equally wonderful are his generosity Already, in these early years, through the I make little claim to “contributions or and selflessness in sharing his ideas, his data, problems tackled (such as granite problems in achievements” but I do confess to having his time. Ireland, marine geology in Jamaica, beryllium spouted “new ideas” as a result of spotting I have been Kevin’s student in Albany prospecting and the gases in the African unfamiliar, or overlooked, relationships. But for 6½ years. I have admired him as a lakes in the Great Rift Valley, classical field “new ideas” rarely prove to be original and great teacher not only in geology, but also descriptions, geomorphological problems are eventually always proved wrong so I am in literature, music, history, philosophy, ranging from processes of tropical erosion both delighted and astonished by the award. geography, and many subjects pertaining to pedology, and gravity studies), one sees Luck and career diversity have helped in the to general culture. The atmosphere he and the inclination to diversify and a predilection path I have followed. John Dewey created in Albany was the best to put forward explanations in the form of I spent time in greenstone belts in academic and research atmosphere I have ever daring, but testable hypotheses in the best my first two jobs, at a University in Ghana breathed anywhere in the world. The most Popperian spirit. In those days this was not (1953–56) and with the British Geological valuable thing I learned from him was how common among field geologists. When plate Survey traveling in Africa (1956-61). While to think in and about science. His boldness in tectonics came about in the mid-sixties, Kevin teaching at the University in Jamaica (1961– generating hypotheses and his mercilessness was therefore one of the readiest geologists to 1965) I realized that the Cretaceous rocks of and unbending honesty in testing them, receive it. the Greater Antilles and greenstone belt rocks

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards were the same—but I did not know why. It of Toronto BUT Tuzo Wilson was principal geology of parts of all the continents except was not till the plate tectonics thunderbolt hit of that college. Tuzo showed me that tectonics Antarctica. that I understood. is “The large scale evolution of planetary South Africans invited me to give their Plate tectonics struck me in a 1967 paper lithospheres.” He encouraged my interest in Du Toit lecture in 1994. There is no greater by Lynn Sykes on earthquake mechanisms in hot spots and mantle plumes and together honor for a student of Africa. Realizing that the equatorial Atlantic. Lynn demonstrated we related the unique topography of Africa my audiences knew all about the Precambrian that the sense of ridge to ridge transform to arrest over shallow mantle convection. I chose to review (in 50,000 words) what had motion was as had been predicted by Tuzo Canada was great for learning more about the happened on the African plate during the past Wilson in 1965. I read Sykes because I was Precambrian especially from Paul Hoffman. 30 My. Many of my present interests stem teaching at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria I abandoned Tuzo because John Dewey, from writing that review. Yanni Gunnell, and thinking about the structure of the Guinea to whom I am eternally grateful, arranged Bill Bosworth, Nick Cameron and Duncan coast I ran to the nearest library and read a tenured job for me at Albany. There for MacGregor have guided me in the study of Wilson’s paper. Geology changed for me. ten years (1973-83) with Dewey, Bill Kidd, coupled African uplift and erosion on land My experience in Africa and the Caribbean Celal Sengor and other outstanding graduate and deep-water deposition offshore. The idea immediately showed me that the record of students we wrote papers based on Tuzo’s that Africa’s present topography is related to Earth history was likely to be the record of recognition that you cannot know too much shallow mantle convection rather than to the ocean opening and closing by plate tectonic regional geology and geophysics and that the underlying Large Low Shear Wave Velocity processes. Reading Nature and the JGR kept oceans and continents must be considered province at the core mantle boundary led me, me from isolation and in Cambridge during together. I got back into Caribbean geology with Trond Torsvik, to discover that although the fall of 1969 John Dewey rounded out my where I made my first contact with a Large Africa’s topography is very young the education in plate tectonics. Igneous Province. underlying deep structure has been unchanged To avoid unrest in eastern Nigeria we did A NASA project: “Basaltic Volcanism for at least 300 My. field work in the Benue rift and took a student on Terrestrial Planets” introduced me to the The second half of my life spent in field class to my old haunts in Ghana where solar system and by 1983 I found myself America has given me opportunities of I found that I had lived on a suture marking a director of the Lunar and Planetary Institute working with an exceptional and diverse group Precambrian continental collision (later with and a professor at the University of Houston. I of the world’s leading Earth scientists. I have Lew Ashwal and Sue Webb I confirmed the was a poor space geologist because I failed to received the best collaboration in research. suture location from occurrences of nepheline get excited by the data then available. Today Nowhere outside the United States could I gneiss). I realized how rifts and sutures fitted would be different. have had my kind of career and I have deeply in to what later came to be called the Wilson Houston put me in contact with oil appreciated the opportunities. Finding out cycle. geologists. I have given talks and written about the Earth has been its own reward and In 1970 my wife Angela, whose strong reports for them but I have learned more because I deal in ideas rather than real work support has been vital to me and who with from oil geologists than they have from me. I have told myself that recognition was not to my three children has suffered from my Twenty years on an ocean drilling safety panel be expected. Nevertheless recognition—all the inattention, explained to me that it was time helped keep me up with global geology and sweeter for being unexpected—is special and I to go somewhere with children’s schools—but I manipulated that and other national and am most grateful to the Society and to all who I couldn’t get a job. All I could find was for international panel memberships to see the have helped me. one-year at Erindale College in the University

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

Arthur L. Day driving force behind the development of the compressive stresses are superimposed on world stress map. It is an exaggeration—but those from plate boundary forces, which in Medal not that great of one—to claim that Mary turn may explain the dominance of reverse- Presented to Mary Lou Zoback Lou and colleagues developed an essential faulting earthquakes in cratons. observational data set, the world stress field, Other recent work has focused on the which did not exist before they began their role of step-overs as the source and origin of work. Reproductions of maps from that work the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. She has now populate more textbooks than I can begin expanded this work to other earthquakes as to count. It is impossible to go to a geoscience well. meeting without seeing talks that draw from Mary Lou Zoback is a geoscientist who it. The papers listed above have certainly not uses the tools of physics to delineate the gone unnoticed by the community. The least forces that drive and deform the lithospheric cited of them has more than 90 citations, and plates. She is a scientist of international the most cited are classics with many hundreds stature. She has made many profound, widely of citations. appreciated, and influential contributions. There are many contributions made Please join me in congratulating her as the through Mary Lou’s U.S. and world stress 2007 recipient of the Arthur L. Day Medal maps including the following. First, she of the Geological Society of America. and colleagues showed that different types of indicators of stress orientation were Mary Lou Zoback consistent where they overlapped spatially Response by Mary Lou Zoback Vice President for and temporally, thus allowing many types of Earthquake Risk Applications Thank you Richard for that generous Risk Management Solutions data to be combined in defining the world citation and for nominating me, along with stress field. Second, they showed that stress your silent partner, Ken Kodama of Lehigh orientations were regionally consistent, University, for the Day Medal. Ken, Richard, which permitted the definition of broad-scale and I were graduate students together in the regional stress patterns. Third, they showed Citation by Richard G. Gordon Geophysics Department at Stanford—an that first-order midplate stress fields are environment in which the students learned Mary Lou Zoback has been exemplary largely the result of compressional forces more from fellow students than they did in contributing to geologic knowledge (ridge push and continental collision) applied from their professors, according to their through the creative application of physics at plate boundaries, and that there is no advisor Alan Cox. It certainly was a rich to the solution of geologic problems. She evidence of the lateral stress gradients that and stimulating environment from which to is a rare individual who is at home both would be expected if plates were driven or launch. mapping in the field (notably in the Basin and resisted significantly from below. Fourth, they It is truly an honor, and very humbling Range province) and in understanding and showed that regions of deviatoric tensional one, to receive this recognition in Arthur L. elucidating the subtle relationships between stress are generally associated with high Day’s name from the Geological Society of buoyancy and the state of stress of the topography, as in the western U.S. Cordillera, America. I gave my first scientific talk at lithosphere. the Andes, and the Tibetan plateau, and thus a GSA meeting in Denver, more years ago Mary Lou’s early work on rifting in related to buoyancy. than I am willing to admit. I want to begin by the Basin and Range province is widely Yet another profound contribution thanking GSA for providing a friendly home recognized and highly cited, as is her ensuing comes from a landmark paper that grew to geophysicists such as myself, seeking work on the structure and evolution of the from the work in which her husband Mark to understand the physical forces driving Colorado Plateau (Zoback & Thompson, is first author and she second-author (M.D. very real geologic processes. It is a distinct 1978, 1979; Zoback et al., 1981). An Zoback et al. 1989). In that paper, the Zobacks pleasure and honor to share this podium with important contribution of that early work was and colleagues showed that the principal two giants of tectonics on whose shoulders the recognition that the Pliocene and younger compressive stress is nearly orthogonal to I, and myriad of others have stood, Kevin orientation (principal extensional incremental the San Andreas fault, with the implication Burke and Celal Sengor. Their bold thinking strain) of Basin and Range extensional that the fault is much weaker than widely on regional, global, and even extra-terrestrial deformation is rotated clockwise from the supposed. This remarkable and surprising tectonics always challenged and inspired mid-Miocene orientation. result has stimulated an enormous amount of us to think creatively, beyond conventional While this work was still in progress, thought and observation that still continues. wisdom. she began the work that firmly established Mary Lou’s latest installment on Receiving a recognition like the her international stature in geoscience, that understanding the pattern of world stress uses Day Medal invokes many emotions: joy, of elucidating the state of stress first of the the USGS global data base of crustal structure embarrassment, as well as suspicion that the conterminous U.S. (Zoback & M.D. Zoback, determinations as well as surface heat-flow committee or someone at headquarters made 1980, 1981; M.D. Zoback et al., 1987; Zoback measurements to infer the thickness of the a mistake in sending the email announcement. 1989) and eventually of the world (Zoback et mantle lid. She infers thick roots beneath But most of all, I feel tremendous pride in al. 1989, Zoback 1992, Muller et al. 1992). cratons and shows that they lead to strongly this recognition of a number of wonderfully Mary Lou Zoback has been the leader, a negative gravitational potential energy productive, and personally rewarding, vital intellectual force, and the effective relative to surrounding regions. As a result, collaborations throughout my career.

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

The first such collaboration, and an for comparison of the results of different Survey, the finest earth science agency in enduring one, was with my advisor and techniques. This was truly a joint effort, often the world. The USGS remains a special and mentor, George Thompson at Stanford involving many late night, heated discussions, unique environment, consisting of a cadre of University. George’s guidance and inspiration after the kids went to bed. remarkably dedicated, world-class research provided me with a strong field geologic Applying our stress mapping techniques scientists who always have time for discussion grounding and opened my eyes to the power globally was the brainchild of Karl Fuchs, of ideas, regardless how crazy, and who of applying simple physical principles, such then President of the International Lithosphere willingly drop their own research to help out as force and mass balance, to constrain large- Program and now Professor Emeritus at with a sticky problem. We understood the scale geologic processes. His gentle nudging Karlsruhe University. Karl’s vision created power, value and rewards of collaborative and thought-provoking questions, not to the World Stress Map project, a collaboration research long before “teamwork” became a mention his able service as “field assistant of 40 eager and dedicated scientists in 30 management fad. I dare not mention these extraordinaire,” set me on the wonderful different countries that I had the pleasure to colleagues by name because it might begin to path of exploring the evolution of the active lead. Each of these scientists made critical sound like a filibuster. I do want thank John tectonic provinces of the Western U.S in the contributions to this global effort. Looking Filson for many years of inspired leadership context of broader plate tectonic interactions. back, I am amazed at what we accomplished of the USGS earthquake program; his hands As Richard indicated, this interest in in a widely dispersed collaboration--all prior off leadership style allowed program scientists active tectonics and changes in the state of to the days of email. That the understanding to pursue research directions we deemed stress in the Basin and Range expanded to a we developed of global stress patterns has important and productive. Special thanks to broader captivation with understanding the stood the test of time and has provided Bill Ellsworth for making it easy for me to present day state of stress within the earth’s valuable constraints in many diverse areas establish a part-time schedule for much of my crust. Special thanks to Barry Raleigh, then a of geology and geophysics is extremely career. USGS branch chief, who first introduced me gratifying. I am forever indebted each of those I gratefully thank the GSA Council (as an undergrad technician) to the possibility 40 scientists, especially Birgit Mueller, of and Day Medal Committee for honoring me of mapping the tectonic stress field. Karlsruhe University, who was invaluable in with this award which I accept on behalf of The body of work on defining the state the data compilation effort and whose good all those scientists I have had the privilege of stress in the earth’s crust resulted from humor helped keep me sane. Special thanks of working with. They stand beside me in the collaboration of which I am most proud, too to Randy Richardson, for the knowledge receiving this honor. My heartfelt thanks both in life and in my career—that with and insights he shared in our collaborations to Mark, my collaborator in both life, and my husband Mark. Together we developed quantifying relationships between forces and science, and to our children Eli and Megan— and tested a broad range of geologic and stress. a continual source of joy, pride, and wonder. geophysical techniques to infer the present- Finally, I want to acknowledge my day stress field. A major step came in amazing good fortune to have been able to quantifying quality criteria that would allow spend much of my career at U.S. Geological

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

Young Scientist paradigms of how Earth’s major plateaus have her endeavors, not least in the field when formed. scampering across steep and treacherous Award To provide a bit of background, exposures. Lots of people are smart, but (Donath Medal) paleoelevations sensitively monitor bulk perseverance and risk taking are, I believe, lithospheric properties and distinguish requisite for the finest science. Presented to Carmala N. Garzione geodynamic models of continental Up until a couple of years ago, I would deformation. Developing a local have offered Carmie’s Himalayan papers as paleoelevation history is, however, analytically paleoaltimetry’s exemplar. Now, however, she intensive and requires close attention to has surpassed them with a series of articles geologic detail. Yet, paleoaltimetry offers on the elevation and geodynamic history insight into truly big-picture tectonic processes of the Altiplano plateau in Bolivia. In part unavailable to other endeavors. employing a novel stable isotope technique, Carmie recognized the power of she has shown that the Altiplano rose several paleoaltimetry while still a graduate student. kilometers within a few million years, likely At Arizona, she decided that, rather than the result of abrupt loss of lithospheric working on a “safe” project characterizing mantle. If, as I argue, Carmie’s Himalayan sediment source terranes in the Himalaya, studies forged stable isotopic methods in she would work on the Thakkhola Graben, paleoaltimetry, then her Altiplano work an extensional basin that featured heavily in tempered them to superb fineness. tectonic models of the development of the To wrap up, I have to explain that when Tibetan Plateau, but that no one had studied Carmie first asked me to present the citation in any detail. Now, there’s a good reason here, I threatened her with the fact that I’ve Carmala N. Garzione no one had studied Thakkhola. Her Ph.D. sometimes given introductions in verse, and Associate Professor, University of Rochester advisor, Pete DeCelles, has described it as that I had recently been reading a book on “one of the harshest places in the Himalaya, limericks. But I told her not worry because situated in officially restricted terrain along I couldn’t think of a rhyme for “Carmala,” the Tibetan border; a windy, cold, [roadless], God forbid “Garzione.” Whereupon Carmie topographically rugged, oxygen-deficient high demanded a limerick that included her Citation by Matthew J. Kohn desert.” And of course they had zero funding. last name. So, with due apologies to, well, The Donath Medal was established Not good prospects for a Ph.D. project! everyone … to honor a young scientist whose original Regardless, Carmie wrote several proposals, There was a geologist named Garzione research marks a major advance in the earth landed a $20,000 fellowship from the National Whose work in Tibet took her far along. sciences. I can think of no more worthy Security Education Program, and took off For the altimetry game recipient than Carmala Garzione, largely for for Nepal—for seven months. She spent Soon gave her great fame her pioneering work in paleoaltimetry. three strenuous field seasons there and in the And now she’s entitled to party-on. Carmie first attended the University process learned to speak Nepali. of Maryland, where she received a B.S. in I tell this story for two reasons. First, Anyway, I hope I’ve managed to convey geology, then the University of Arizona, it ultimately led to two landmark papers in some of Carmie’s unique contributions and where she received a M.S. and Ph.D. in tectonics and paleoaltimetry. One showed that qualities, and I’m privileged to present to tectonics, sedimentology, and geochemistry. the southern margin of the Tibetan Plateau you, as this year’s recipient of the Donath She was subsequently hired by the University must have been elevated and extending by Medal, an outstanding young scientist, of Rochester, where she is currently an 10–11 Ma, several million years prior to when Carmala Garzione. associate professor. the reigning paradigm said it “should” have I should mention that I have no occurred. This forever changed our view of particular affiliation with Carmie or her the geodynamics of the Indo-Asian collision. Response by Carmala N. Garzione respective institutions. Rather what led me The second paper documented the elevation Thank you, Matt, for the kind words to support her for this award, and ultimately dependence of the stable isotope compositions and for the humorous (and hopefully not what has guaranteed her place among great of local waters in the Himalaya and set the immortal) limerick. I am impressed that you geologists, are her contributions in tectonics standard by which we now evaluate other met that challenge and could not resist the and paleoaltimetry. Carmie’s talents extend datasets and models. Other paleoaltimetry opportunity to write a response limerick: through many fields, including stratigraphy contributions notwithstanding, I view and sedimentology, stable and radiogenic Carmie’s Himalayan work as having sparked There once was a geologist named Kohn isotope geochemistry, and (what links all this research field. It illustrated the power Who entitled me to party-on. these interests) geodynamics and tectonics. of elevation histories in geodynamics as no I invite him here She’s also a fearless and talented field previous study had and laid the groundwork To grab his own beer geologist. But her innovative research in for all future paleoelevation studies And join in the celebrati-on paleoaltimetry simultaneously framed incorporating stable isotopes. The second On a more serious note, I would first like the isotopic methods by which we now reason I tell this story is that it illustrates to thank the Geological Society of America investigate paleoelevations and changed our Carmie’s perseverance and willingness to and the Donath family for establishing this take risks. These qualities are evident in all award. I feel honored to accept the Donath

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

Medal this year, and yet I feel humbled by supportive. Gautam Mitra has helped to paleoelevation research because I was aware the knowledge of some of the amazing work keep the student alive in me. I’ve sat in that controversial paleoelevation estimates being done by my peers. I insist that a number on most of his classes, as he has sat in on from fossil leaves suggested the Andean of other young scientists could be standing mine, and I continue to learn from Gautam. plateau resided at half its height only 10 up here tonight, and I wish I could share this I thank Rochester for offering a stimulating m.y. ago. The Andes provide a surface uplift honor with them. environment in which to both teach and history that is tractable, allowing us to better Looking back to the beginning of my learn. As I’m sure that many of you feel, constrain the geodynamic processes that raise geology career as an undergraduate at the while students learn from us, they also help mountains. University of Maryland, I have to thank Rich strengthen our knowledge and inspire new I thank numerous colleagues, including Walker and Eirik Krogstad for turning me insights. Last year, I took on my first postdoc Matt Kohn, who came up to talk with me on to the apparently limitless applications of at Rochester, Greg Hoke, who has helped to about my work in Thakkhola after my very geochemistry to address regional geologic integrate the regional geomorphology with first AGU talk. Matt’s and others’ interest problems. My experiences at Maryland, our view of the Andes elevation history. Our ignited my desire to keep plugging away working in their lab on a senior thesis project, collaborative efforts have broadened my view during my Ph.D. work. I want to thank inspired me to go to graduate school. While of surface processes and have provided a new Peter Molnar, who hosted me as a CIRES I was a Master’s student at the University of source of ideas that I hope will forward our fellow at the University of Colorado. Peter’s Arizona, my advisor, Jon Patchett, helped me understanding of the Andes. ability to view the Earth system through the learn to think independently and communicate Matt describes me as fearless and willing physical interactions between atmosphere, my ideas. I considered stopping at the end to take risks. The truth is that my biggest fear oceans, lithosphere, and asthenosphere has of my Master’s to teach high school, and I was the risk of squandering my PhD years not encouraged me to think broadly. I also want am grateful to Jon for encouraging me to doing something that was fun and inspiring. to thank David Rowley and Page Chamberlain stay in graduate school. My Ph.D. mentors at Working in remote central Nepal and southern who have been simultaneously working Arizona, Peter DeCelles, Jay Quade, David Tibet on an intriguing question, despite the to establish quantitative stable isotope- Dettman, and Bob Butler, were role models challenges, ensured that I would enjoy that based paleoaltimetry techniques. Our lively that I looked to for inspiration. They view part of my life. Like many discoveries, I did interactions, both agreements and debates, regional tectonic questions with a flexibility of not set out with the intention of developing have stimulated widespread interest in mind that enables them to adapt and develop a paleoelevation technique, but instead paleoelevation studies. new approaches to answering questions. planned to establish a climate record from Lastly, I want to thank my family and I thank my mentors and the Geosciences southern Tibet that could be compared to the friends. Although I was the first in my family department for cultivating the freedom for Himalayan foreland basin record. However, to obtain a college degree, my parents always students to develop their own Ph.D. projects. when I analyzed the first paleosol samples instilled in me the value of education. I am I took complete advantage of this and found and saw how anomalous their O isotopes grateful to Damian for love and support that the professors and their labs were always were compared to the low-lying foreland, early in my career. I am fortunate to have my available if I was bold enough to ask. I immediately realized that the Thakkhola family, my daughter, Fiona, and my partner, Over the past 7 years since I completed graben recorded an elevation signal. I planned Doug, to celebrate this honor with. My 4 year my Ph.D., I have benefited from the support of my next field season around calibrating the old daughter tells me that I have a fun job the University of Rochester and my colleagues paleoaltimeter by systematically sampling because I get to spend a lot of time outside. I and students in Earth and Environmental surface waters in the Himalaya, south of agree with her. I am grateful for the privilege Sciences. In particular, our department the Thakkhola graben. Our more recent to be able to contribute to our understanding chair, John Tarduno, was encouraging and work in the Andes was an obvious target for of how the earth works.

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

GSA Public Service of public service. In addition to her research education in her local schools and also activities, which earned her election to the participates in a national program, Expanding Award National Academy of Sciences, Mary Lou Your Horizons, which encourages girls in Presented to Mary Lou Zoback served as the chief scientist of the Earthquake middle school toward careers in mathematics Hazards Team and northern California and the sciences. That means she is already coordinator for the Earthquake Hazards helping us with a particularly difficult task Program. In those roles, she was a principal that we in the geoscience community face: spokesperson for the Survey on earthquake- cloning Mary Lou. For we need a future related topics, participating in countless media supply of scientific leaders whose impeccable interviews, press conferences, documentaries, credentials grant access to the highest public lectures, and policymaker briefings. councils, whose curiosity impels them toward Through her service on National the application of their science to societal Research Council boards and committees, issues, and whose dedication and resolve Mary Lou has made important contributions drive positive change. We must find ways to to the application of geoscience to public encourage the best and the brightest in our policy decision making, reviewing policy science toward public service, creating viable topics that range from high-level radioactive career paths so that others may follow where waste disposal to the National Science she has led. Education Standards and the future of In recognition of her many earth observation systems. Most recently, accomplishments, her infectious enthusiasm, Mary Lou Zoback she served on the National Academies’ her genuine concern and what has been Vice President for Earthquake Risk Committee for Science and Public Policy, described as her irresistible leadership, Mary Applications Risk Management Solutions which addresses broad policy questions Lou Zoback is a most deserving recipient at the highest level. She is only the third of the GSA Public Service Award. Now I geoscientist in a century and a half to serve on wonder what comes next. the National Academies’ Governing Council. Indeed, Mary Lou has often been the lone Citation by J. David Applegate geoscientist on such high-level bodies, and we Response by Mary Lou Zoback Recognizing Dr. Mary Lou Zoback as all owe her a debt of gratitude for being our Thank you Dave, that citation means a both the Day medalist and Public Service ambassador. great deal to me, coming from you, whom awardee at the same ceremony could not be Mary Lou has a long history of I’ve always looked up to as the epitome of more appropriate. For while independent distinguished service to GSA as a member selfless public service, as was recognized nominating processes produced the same of Council and the Executive Committee, when you received this award two years ago. result, it is only in the combination of as Cordilleran Section president and Colin Powell, in his Lessons for Leaders, these honors that we begin to capture the culminating in her term as GSA president stated that “Perpetual optimism is a force phenomenon that is Mary Lou. in 2000. She used her GSA presidential multiplier.” I feel the same way about public Throughout her distinguished career, address to lay out grand challenges for the service—in serving, the rewards you reap far Mary Lou has consistently dedicated her earth and environmental sciences in the exceed what you give. talents to bringing the best science to bear coming decades, focusing on those areas of I’m also going to admit two secrets. The on the solution to societal problems. Her improved understanding that would be needed first will not be a big surprise—I have a hard instincts have always been collaborative, to tackle environmental problems and, just time saying no. The second is that much of whether in her scientific achievements or as important, analyze the impact of proposed my service has been for selfish reasons—my in the application of science in the public remedies. She recognized that this was not criteria for saying yes is always whether I interest. Her tireless efforts to educate the an undertaking for the geosciences or even feel I am going to learn something new. I public on earthquake hazards in the San physical and biological sciences in isolation, have never been disappointed. I have learned Francisco Bay region culminated in her but rather these sciences must work together about other scientific disciplines and different leadership of a wide-ranging alliance to turn with the social sciences in order to develop approaches to science, and also have been the commemoration of the 100th anniversary workable and societally acceptable solutions. greatly enriched by interactions with many of the devastating 1906 San Francisco All the more appropriate than that in her new bright and inspiring individuals. earthquake into an unprecedented campaign incarnation as vice president for Earthquake As scientists, we are extremely to build public awareness and improve Risk Applications at Risk Management privileged to be able to pursue our passions earthquake preparedness. As just one part of Solutions, Mary Lou has turned her talents to and curiosity as a career. With that privilege that campaign, Mary Lou led development a new sector and a new challenge taking her comes some responsibility, I believe. We are of “Putting Down Roots in the Bay Area,” an well beyond the scientific quantification of at a rare moment of crisis and opportunity. earthquake preparedness pamphlet that was hazard to the societal factors that encompass Finally the public, both in the United States distributed to millions of people in northern vulnerability and risk. and in much of the world, has accepted the California and has been translated into Throughout her career, Mary Lou has idea of global change and many are beginning multiple languages. been unstinting in her willingness to nurture, to understand the potentially dramatic Mary Lou recently retired from the advise, and otherwise help younger scientists. consequences resulting from this grand U.S. Geological Survey after a long career She has been actively involved in science experiment we are unwittingly conducting

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards on our planet. As Earth scientists, we have a years of concerted planning and community exhibit. A century of geologic mapping in special obligation to educate the public and building by the 1906 Earthquake Centennial the San Francisco Bay Area was synthesized our business and policy leaders about both Alliance, which I was privileged to lead. in a new uniform, digital geologic map the short term and long term impacts of our The Alliance consisted of over 250 member accompanied by new regional maps of present course of action. groups that put on more than 120 activities Quaternary faults, surficial deposits and Having served on advisory committees and events. My biggest thrill was seeing this liquefaction susceptibility. A century of for the USGS, NSF, NASA, NOAA, DOE, and major scientific event interpreted through the progress in understanding earthquakes and the National Academy, I have often witnessed eyes of historians, ballet dancers, fire fighters, their effects was highlighted in a student guide big, bold thinking commensurate with the composers, photographers, story tellers, and to earthquake science, field guides for the scale of the problems we are facing. What we even nuns. public, and a Google Earth virtual field trip are missing is leadership in creating an Earth I want to particularly acknowledge the of the 1906 earthquake. Putting Down Roots Science agenda for the nation. Rather than scientific and public information contributions in Earthquake Country, a public earthquake constantly fighting to protect turf, we should to the Centennial by scientists, web and GIS information and preparedness guide was forge an alliance and raise the profile of Earth gurus, and publications staff of the USGS. produced with a number of public agencies Science on the national scientific scene. There This amazing group produced a 3d fault and and the Red Cross. Over two million copies are many competing interests and needs for block model of all of northern California were distributed. Heartfelt thanks to everyone the nation’s resources, but what Earth Sciences and turned it into a 3d velocity model. Five involved for their cheerful hard work and can offer can literally change our future. I urge different groups used this model to recreate creative energy. This was the most amazing, each of you to contribute in your own way to the intensity and duration of 1906 shaking selfless scientific collaboration I have ever help make this happen. through ground motions simulations based been a part of. On a more personal note, I would like on a reanalysis of the surveying data and I gratefully thank the USGS for allowing to end with a few words about the 1906 constrained by a reanalysis of 1906 shaking me the time and encouraging my participation earthquake centennial, a major scientific, and damage reports. A virtual helicopter in many of these activities and the award cultural, and historical event that captured tour allowed the public to view the Hayward committee and the GSA Council in honoring local, national, and international media fault from above, and they were able to see me. attention. This was, in part, due to several the fault below ground in a public trench

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

GSA Distinguished Service Award Presented to Nancy Carlson-Wright, Yildirim Dilek, Robert C. Thomas

Nancy Carlson-Wright Yildirim Dilek Robert C. Thomas Technical Program Manager, GSA Professor, Miami University Professor, University of Montana-Western

Citation by Robert S. Young Citation by Paul T. Robinson Citation by George C. Sharp I have been technical program chair Yildirim Dilek is a highly productive It is with great pleasure that I introduce (TPC) for the annual meeting twice and geoscientist, well known for his many Rob Thomas as recipient of the GSA’s 2007 have served for many years on the Annual outstanding scientific and editorial Distinguished Service Award. Rob is being Program Committee. Nancy Carlson has contributions to the geological community. recognized for initiating a GeoVenture and been the constant guide to all involved Scientifically, he is one of the leading experts GeoHostel program in southwest Montana in meeting planning and management. on ophiolites and oceanic crust, and he has and for organizing and leading 10 trips in During my two years as TPC, I was amazed greatly advanced our knowledge of the Montana and surrounding areas since 1995. and gratified by Nancy’s work ethic and tectonic evolution of ophiolites and orogenic His GeoTrips have included overviews of dedication to GSA. As we assembled the belts through his original and innovative the Pioneer Range and Dillon areas, Glacier meeting, I would get e-mails from Nancy at work. His contributions to the GSA include Park, the Beartooths, the Yellowstone region, all hours of the night. She was never off the editorial work, committee assignments, the Grand Tetons, tracing the geology of the clock during crunch time. We would talk at division presidency, and organization of many Lewis and Clark Expedition through parts of home and on weekends. I can’t imagine that successful meetings and symposia. Montana, Idaho and Washington, the Wind the GSA leadership has a true appreciation A Fellow of GSA, Yildirim served as River Range, and the Crazy Mountains- for how many hours Nancy puts in outside editor of the GSA Bulletin for four years, Bridger Range. of the business day to get the technical helping to raise its international profile, Rob has a unique ability to communicate program assembled. Replacing her would be scientific rigour, and impact factor. He also his extensive knowledge of geology and field impossible. I sure hope that I retire before she served as president of the International techniques in a manner understandable to does. Division and on a number of important GSA both geologists and non-geologists. His style Additionally, working with the various committees, including the Publications and is to teach rather than preach and to make members of GSA divisions, the Associated Penrose Conferences Committees. As many people feel valued for their comments and Societies, and the Joint Technical Program of you know, Yildirim excels at organizing observations. His technical gifts are matched Committee (JTPC) is difficult work. Nancy conferences, symposia and technical sessions by his pleasing personality and good humor— is the consummate diplomat. She is always at national and international meetings that even while being tested by all the things that polite and professional. She is a supremely collectively serve as international forums for can (and do) go wrong while shepherding gracious representative for GSA headquarters scientific exchange. Equally important, he 35 people with varying degrees of geologic and GSA in general. successfully edits the volumes resulting from knowledge in vans on back roads for a week. Finally, she is that rare individual who these meetings that disseminate current data A testimony of his leadership and teaching is able to provide leadership and new ideas and new ideas on hot topics to the scientific skills is that all of his 10 trips have sold out, where they are needed, but who is also community; some of these books are among many within days of their announcement. willing to serve and carry out requests when the GSA’s bestsellers. His ability to focus on Rob was not alone in organizing these 10 asked (and from the TPC when he is in a important problems and to involve different GeoVentures; his co-leader, Shelia Roberts, bind). My work with her has been truly a divisions of the GSA is a great strength and joined Rob in 1997, and Edna Collis, now pleasure. I cannot think of another individual has served the membership of our society well. retired from GSA, provided logistic support. who is more deserving of this award. Yildirim has devoted immense effort and We hope, Rob, that you continue to Nancy Carlson’s service to GSA has been time to supporting the GSA and advancing its expose others to high-quality field geology distinguished and exemplary. goals internationally, and his accomplishments

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

Carlson-Wright citation (continued) Dilek citation (continued) Thomas citation (continued)

Response by Nancy Carlson-Wright are widely recognized. In addition to his at a time when such opportunities are many contributions to the Society and to becoming rare. Thank you. It’s great working at the the scientific community at large, he has Society with all of the volunteers and maintained a dynamic and successful research it’s really an honor to receive this award. program, has excelled at both graduate and Response by Robert C. Thomas Thank you. undergraduate teaching, and has served his I am pleased to accept this award on own university in many capacities. Yildirim behalf of the GeoVenture team of Sheila richly deserves to be recognized for his con- Roberts, Edna Collis, Sherrie Landon and tributions, and we are pleased to award him myself. Together, we had the pleasure of the 2007 GSA Distinguished Service Award. sharing the geology of the northern Rocky Mountains with people who I now consider Response by Yildirim Dilek to be family. Public outreach is my passion in geology and so I am very pleased that it is I am deeply honored to receive the rewarded by the Society. Thanks … GSA Distinguished Service Award. I thank my nominators, friends and colleagues for their support and the Geological Society for providing me with opportunities to serve the international geoscience community. I have been fortunate to have many role models as my mentors and colleagues, who are leaders in their fields and who have served the Society in many capacities. It has been most inspiring for me to see the great scientific, professional, and public contributions of these people and many others reach every corner of the world through GSA and its multi-faceted activities. I have this passionate love for our profession, which remains a source of constant and immense joy for me. My involvement with GSA has taught me a lot and has brought wonderful international connections and deep friendships. Throughout my tenure as the Bulletin Editor and as the Divisional officer I have made every effort to ensure that GSA reach out to the international community to promote international science and endeavors, and to become an international leader in our profession well beyond the confines of North America. It is my sincere hope and desire that the GSA shall be there soon, if not already. I would not have been here today to receive this award had I not had the distinct privilege and fortune of working with many wonderful colleagues, fellow editors, and staff members in the GSA headquarters, who have made my job much easier with their diligent work, profound care, and great sense of humor; I am grateful for all they have done. I thank my colleagues and students at Miami University for providing me with ample time and causes to serve our profession and society. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their unconditional support and encouragement throughout my education and career. I share this award with all of these people around me. Let me thank GSA again for this recognition.

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

GSA President’s teachers, selected from school districts around Currently we are on a flight to Singapore and the country in teams of as many as ten from a to China. We are bringing our family with us. Medal district, work in the academy with established As I compete in these two events, I also want Presented to experts in the teaching of science and math. to take advantage of this opportunity to show “Amy and I are thrilled to be a part of this our kids what wonderful things China and program,” said Phil Mickelson in the June Singapore have to offer. 2005 issue of Geotimes. “We see it as an But more importantly I want to thank you opportunity to really make a difference. We for recognizing the passion that my wife Amy hope that we can be instrumental in bringing and I have for developing and inspiring young awareness to the plight of science in America children in the sciences. Weíve developed today.” some educational programs for the elementary Phil and Amy support the program school teachers in math and sciences. Through financially, and they also join the teachers our partnership with ExxonMobil we created on the last day of the academy, spending the Mickelson ExxonMobil Math and Science time with each teacher. Three public service Teachers Academy where we were able to announcements (2006’s “Peanut” and “Kids bring in teachers from across the country and scientists,” and 2005’s “What if”) about the show them new innovative ways to inspire Teachers Academy ran during the Masters their students. Tournament in 2005 and 2006. These Our country has long been a leader in announcements are particularly powerful the geosciences and for us to maintain that Phil and Amy Mickelson messages delivered to a national television leadership position we must continue to audience. The delivery of these messages inspire our young students in these areas. Phil and Amy Mickelson about the importance of science education Scientists have an opportunity to help slow or to so many people so effectively is another reverse global warming. Scientists lead us in example of how the Mickelsons are providing new directions for energy. Scientists also help outstanding support of both the sciences, us predict natural disasters which save many including the geosciences. many lives. And, the GSA is at the forefront of Citation by Stephen G. Wells For individuals who have reached the this research. So we are so humbled to be able Professional golfer Phil Mickelson highest level of their own profession to offer to be recognized for such a wonderful award. recently publicized the serious need for their public support for science education I also want you to know that in my improvement of teaching of physical science deserves the gratitude, encouragement, and world a silver medal is usually awarded for and math in elementary schools in order to recognition by the Geological Society of the runner up. But the Geological Society attract more students into those fields. To America through the GSA President’s Medal. of America Presidentís medal feels like an address that need, Phil and his wife Amy have atomic weight 79 to me. Thank you very much teamed up with ExxonMobil to establish the for having us and for honoring us with this Response by Phil and Amy Mickelson Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, wonderful award. And we will continue our a week-long workshop to help third- through Video transcription — Hi, I am Phil work and appreciate all that you have done to fifth-grade teachers gain the skills to excite Mickelson. My wife Amy and I are very sorry help recognize that. their students about science and math. The we cannot join you this evening in Denver. Thank you very much.

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Subaru Response by Tanja Bosak However, I soon discovered that the project would never work as conceived. As I am delighted to receive the Subaru Outstanding I was describing this revelation during the Outstanding Woman in Science Award. I am exam, I was nervous that I would fail, but Woman in Science also grateful for this opportunity to thank Dianne started laughing in approval. Not some of the people who have supported me only did I pass, Dianne also wanted me to Award and encouraged me at Caltech and Harvard: work with her in spite of my background in Presented to Tanja Bosak Joe Kirschvink, John Grotzinger, Andy Knoll, physics! From then on I have been fortunate Ann Pearson and Rich Losick. I hope to be to have Dianne as a terrific mentor and role as good a mentor and colleague to others as model. This experience taught me to keep these people have been to me. But probably an eye out for people with a non-traditional the most important person I need to thank approach to questions about life and the is my Ph.D. advisor at Caltech, Dianne environment, in keeping both with the vision Newman. of the GSA and with the spirit this award. When I came to Caltech from Croatia, I thought I would be a planetary scientist and I started working on atmospheric models of Jupiter. But I was quickly enticed by geobiology although I had had virtually no experience in this area. I decide that one of my Ph.D. qualifying exam projects would be a study of microbial mats.

Tanja Bosak Assistant Professor Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards

AGI Medal the University of Massachusetts. During those (AAAS), and the American Association of teaching years, he also served as a consultant Geology Teachers (AAGT) who gave him the in Memory of to numerous mining and oil companies in the Ralph Digman Award for contributions to the Ian Campbell United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as academic community, intercollegiate-public four months in Alaska for the U.S. Geological geological field trips, and other forms of Presented to Arthur A. Socolow Survey on the Defense Minerals Exploration outreach. program. Socolow has authored over 100 papers In 1957, Socolow accepted an and publications and is an active member of appointment as geologist to head up the some 14 professional societies. Most notably, mineral resources program of the Pennsylvania he served as councilor of GSA, president Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey of AASG, chairman of the North American under the well-known State Geologist Carlisle Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature, Grey. In 1961, Socolow was named director and president of the Geology Section of and state geologist of the Pennsylvania Survey. AAAS. It was during his early tenure as state geologist As for the AASG, Art Socolow’s that he met Ian Campbell, whom he admired leadership skills and his persuasive yet genial and respected as an outstanding professional approach to his work brought him to the helm geologist, leader, and gentleman. During their of the organization in 1977. During that time long professional relationship, Campbell, as period he instituted the important Liaison a mentor, influenced Socolow’s philosophy Committee with the purpose of meeting and style as demonstrated by his proven regularly with the leadership of federal public service, broad regional and national agencies and directly with members of the Arthur A. Socolow Retired contributions, leadership, administrative, and Congress to ensure that appropriate geologic Pennsylvania Geological Survey scientific successes. information was used in the development of At the Pennsylvania Topographic and sound national policy. The nation as a whole Geologic Survey, Socolow developed and has benefited from this effort. The AASG advanced major programs in topographic is currently a sponsored member of AAAS Citation by Walter A. Anderson and geologic mapping, oil and gas research, because of the diligent efforts of Art Socolow. and environmental studies. His topographic Socolow is strongly devoted to, and The American Geological Institute mapping program met great success with mutually supported by, his talented family: (AGI) representing the Geological Society of the completion in 1973of the 7.5 minute Edith, his wife of 58 years and a recognized America (GSA), the Mineralogical Society of series for Pennsylvania, one of the first states artist, and sons Carl, Roy, and Jeff, who are America (MSA), the Association of American to have such complete coverage. Intensive established professionals in photography, State Geologists (AASG), and other AGI geologic mapping was done under Socolow’s hydrology, and medical research, respectively. member societies, select with gratitude Arthur supervision, resulting in a new state geological Art’s life-long dedication, achievements, A. Socolow as recipient of AGI’s prestigious map compilation that comprehensively and consistency to the geologic profession award, the 2007 Medal in memory of Ian presents the complex geology of Pennsylvania through his public service are fitting for Campbell. to geologists and non-geologists alike. recognition with the prestigious Ian Campbell Socolow was born in New York City in Socolow was always pushing the envelope for award. 1921 and grew up on a farm in Toms River, new and better ways of producing geological New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University, products and providing services to the user where he received his B.S. degree in geology community. Under his directorship, the Response by Arthur A. Socolow in 1942. After six months with the U.S. Pennsylvania Survey was a leader in applying I thank my good friend Walter Anderson Geological Survey, he served in the U.S. natural resource information to environmental for preparing the comprehensive and gracious Air Force from 1942 to 1946, with stations concerns when it was not particularly popular Citation. Walter is responsible for much in India, Burma, and the Philippines. His among more traditional survey programs. attention given to New England geology. I geological education strengthened his military Art knew, however, that with the emergence accept the Ian Campbell Award established duties as a photogrammetrist and air photo of environmental concerns and regulations, in recognition of his scientific contributions interpreter, which benefited his subsequent a new group of user material needed to have and his unique ability to relate geology to the geological career. understandable natural resource data in order interests and needs of the public. After his military service, Socolow to make better and more reasonable decisions. I chose geology as a profession in rejoined the U.S. Geological Survey until As Ian Campbell was a strong advocate for recognition of its historic role in influencing he entered Columbia University, where he environmental education, the Pennsylvania the activities of mankind starting with the received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees with a Survey was one of the first to develop public Stone Age, then the expansion of man’s strong background in structural and economic education and outreach programs oriented geography, development of resources, geology, mentored by such distinguished to land-use, economic, and environmental establishment of trade routes, colonization, geologists as Walter Bucher and Charles needs. Socolow’s efforts on public education and sadly, strife among nations. Behre. He served as a professor of geology were a natural when one considers the years I met Ian Campbell at a number of from 1948 to 1957 successively at Southern of service that he gave to the American meetings. I was impressed with his breadth Methodist University, Boston University, and Association for the Advancement of Science

The Geological Society of America 2007 Medals & Awards of knowledge and especially his ability to the 26 member list of distinguished geologists where we prepared a volume to assist in the communicate with professionals and the who previously received the Campbell award. teaching of geology. public. An outstanding scientist, he was It is most appropriate for AGI to sponsor I must thank my wife and my three sons also the consummate gentleman. I am truly the Campbell award in view of AGI’s for supporting my interests and especially for honored to receive his namesake award. historic role in expounding and coordinating putting up with my frequent absences from I thank the selection committee for America’s geologic activities. I recall an AGI home when I was attending another (and yet choosing me and I am especially proud to join sponsored meeting decades ago in Duluth another !) meeting.

The Geological Society of America