2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

PENROSE MEDAL to younger ages, he was able to overlap the been named the most-cited geoscience author ranges of these two methods. in the past decade. Presented to Minze Stuiver His early work involved short-term To expand his paleoclimatic research variations in atmospheric radiocarbon and into ice core analysis, Minze obtained a high- their relationship to changes in the solar quality mass spectrometer system for 18O/16O magnetic field was groundbreaking and analysis. He and P.M. Grootes produced 18O his measurements were state of the art. His records for the tropical Quelccaya ice core research on solar activity through study of in Peru with Lonnie Thompson, the J-9 core 14C in tree rings has had a major impact and the Taylor Dome core in Antarctica, and on solar and atmospheric research. Careful the historic GISP2 core in Greenland. These analysis of the atmospheric 14C fluctuations, records contributed to our understanding of revealed by the high-precision 14C calibration the climate signal in tropical glaciers and record, allowed Minze to demonstrate the North-South climate connections. The GISP2 role of the sun in modulating the production 18O record provided one of the fundamental of 14C (Maunder, Sporer, and Wolf sunspot climate indicators and confirmed and minimum). He also translated the atmospheric quantified the many, extremely rapid, large, 14C calibration curve to oceanic reservoirs. climate changes, first seen in the Younger The atmospheric 14C calibration provided Dryas/Preboreal transition and then found Minze Stuiver via its modeled production modulation is elsewhere in the last glaciation. University of Washington an indication of solar activity over the past The significance of the new technique of 12,000 years. mass spectrometric measurement of 14C using He also used radiocarbon to trace the nuclear accelerators (AMS) was recognized pattern and timing of deep-ocean circulation. by Minze early on. He and Grootes developed 14 Citation by Donald J. Easterbrook His highly precise measurements of the C AMS at the University of Washington with to C ratio in inorganic carbon in sea water applications to the direct dating of pollen, 14C Minze Stuiver was born in Vlagtwedde, greatly advanced understanding of the rates in tree rings, corals, and atmospheric methane. Groningen, The Netherlands. He received of ventilation of the deep sea and established By adding stable isotope mass spectrometry his M.S. degree in experimental nuclear the role of mixing in the southern oceans as an of carbon (13C/12C) and oxygen (18O/16O), physics and mathematics from the University important aspect in the “aging” of seawater. he developed the tools to quantify changes of Groningen in 1953 and his Ph.D. in The gradual change in 14C concentration in in the hydrological and in the carbon cycle, biophysics from the University of Groningen deep waters, going from the North Atlantic related to climatic changes in the past. Mass in 1958. The direction of Minzeʼs career was to the Antarctic circumpolar current and spectrometry of 13C/12C, needed for the 13C strongly influenced by his association with from there into the Indian and the Pacific fractionation correction of 14C concentrations Hessel de Vries, professor of physics at the oceans provided an early demonstration and was developed into an independent tool to University of Groningen. De Vries started him quantification of the deep part of oceanic quantify the anthropogenic input of CO2 on the way of developing and applying state- circulation. into the atmosphere (Suess-effect). In a of-the-art physical measurement techniques Minze was a key player in the all- study spanning the Pacific Coast from Chile to biological and environmental processes important GISP2 ice coring project in to Alaska, Minze was able to quantify the through rigorous mathematical analysis. Greenland. He produced the basic oxygen man-induced change in atmospheric 13C In 1959, Minze went to Yale University isotope measurements that served to define concentrations over time and thus helped as research associate and postdoctoral the abrupt Greenland climatic changes. He quantify the history of the greenhouse gas, research fellow at the Geochonometric was the first to recognize the problem of CO2. His critical analysis also showed the Laboratory, where he developed the Yale 14C seasonality in this record and he also made pitfalls, awaiting those who want to use tree laboratory. In 1962, he became senior research fundamental investigations of the role of the rings for this type of study, by identifying associate and director of the Yale Radiocarbon sun in the Holocene changes recorded in the strong influences such as the juvenile effect, Laboratory. Greenland core. canopy, exposure, and growth rate on the In 1969, he moved to the newly An important part of his research 13C isotopic composition. Together with his founded Quaternary Research Center at the involved meticulous, high-precision dating student Bob Burk, he demonstrated the use University of Washington where he built the of ancient tree rings that allowed calibration of oxygen in cellulose as a paleoclimatic Quaternary Isotope Laboratory and was its of radiocarbon ages to calendar ages that indicator, dependent on latitude, temperature director until his retirement in 1998. Minzeʼs led to the widely used computer program and relative humidity. proportional CO2 counters, placed in a (CALIB) for calibration of radiocarbon dates. Over the past 40 years, Minze Stuiver specially constructed underground laboratory, Minze demonstrated the importance of solar has published 195 papers in radiocarbon made Seattle the world leader in precision influences on terrestrial production rates of geochronology, calibration of radiocarbon and and range of radiocarbon dating. Reviving the radiocarbon in calibrating radiocarbon ages calendar ages, use of radiocarbon as a tracer pioneering work on thermal diffusion isotopic and gave an early indication of significantly to assess the pattern and timing of deep-ocean 14 enrichment of C, initiated by De Vries in higher atmospheric 14C levels during the circulation, and studies of polar ice cores. His the 1950s, Minze set the world record for the glacial to interglacial transitions. His 1993 work was previously honored by the 1983 14 oldest C measurement and contributed to radiocarbon calibration paper is the most-cited Humboldt Award from Germany, the 1994 our knowledge of the timing of early glacial geoscience paper of the 1990s, and he has Pomerance Award of the Archaeological climate variability. Pushing his K-Ar system THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

Institute of America, and the 2000 AMQUA a descendant of the European “discoverer” used for the determination of time. There Distinguished Career award in Quaternary of New Zealand. And, although I did not are many other applications, ranging from Science. He has produced a body of work realize it at that time, there was a hint of abyssal ocean depths to surface conditions of unrivaled in the field of geochronology and Dutch–American ties. Maarten Schmidt, now the Sun. Because the 14C production in the unequaled in its interdisciplinary applicability. a well-known astronomer at Mt Wilson and upper atmosphere is modulated by the solar Palomar Observatories, was a co-student in wind variations in atmospheric 14C content my astronomy class. And Dutchman Vening occur that can be measured in tree-rings. The Response by Minze Stuiver Meinesz, known for his gravity measurements changes in tree-ring 14C yield a history of The Penrose award is very much in submarines, was a recipient of the Penrose cosmic ray flux modulation by the Sun. Such appreciated. Being in the United States for the award in the nineteen forties. a record is important for estimating past solar past 46 years has been a great experience for The trouble with old age is that there is induced climatic change. Other applications myself as well as spouse Anneke, and I thank too much past to describe. Fortunately, there focus on global ocean circulation (deep-water GSA and all our friends very much for the is radiocarbon dating as a tool for deciphering residence times), carbon transfer between nomination and citation. the past. The methodology is nearly sixty atmosphere, biosphere and oceans (using 14 With only a two-day head start on the years old and has undergone substantial 20th century nuclear bomb C and fossil fuel 14 Great Depression my entry in this world was improvements during those years. Sample ( C free) carbon dioxide signals) and global not very auspicious. And to add insult to size has been reduced from tens of grams deforestation rates. injury my high school years in Almelo, the to milligrams and precision has improved Condensation temperature determines 18 16 Netherlands, were drastically influenced by from centuries to decades. Only marginal the O / O ratio of precipitation. In ice cores a German occupation that lasted 5 years. The improvement has been made in the maximum this ratio mirrors climate change over long 14 school became “home” to a couple of hundred age range due to modern C contamination in time intervals. Ice is not the only medium for 14 soldiers and I remember classes, if they were samples and equipment lines. The C isotope, this type of research, calcium carbonate in given at all, in the public library, a bathhouse, after all, disappears from the scene with a half lakes (marl) and oceans (deep sea sediment and a textile factory. The teachers also had to life of 5730 years and for the maximum age of and corals) as well as tree-ring cellulose can compete with the harsh sounds of airplanes, about 60,000 radiocarbon years less than 0.1 be used. 14 sirens, occasional bombs and German percent of the original C is left to measure. Large programs like GEOSECS with its propaganda on loudspeakers. My hat off to Samples of known age are needed worldwide ocean sampling, Taylor Dome and those teachers because it is utterly amazing for the conversion of radiocarbon ages to GISP-2 with kilometer long ice cores, and that so many of their students did well in our calendar year ages. Even though precision CALIB with thousands of tree-ring samples present society. has improved over time, the best precision are now part of history, but not entirely My parents were Friesians, and Friesian is still achieved using fairly large (~10 g C) forgotten. The lasting legacies are the data was spoken at home. The Friesian language samples of tree-ring dated wood (up to 12,000 sets and the widely used CALIB calibration is much older than Dutch and is more related years old) in gas counters. The combined program. There also have been many to English. During the war I spent many measurements of several laboratories generate interactions with colleagues and students summers with relatives in Friesland because an internationally accepted calibration curve during my career (AD1950 – 2000, give or only in that province was sufficient food for a that converts a radiocarbon age to a cal take a couple of years) and these exchanges hungry teenager. An important Friesian in U.S. (calibrated) age range. With high precision contributed substantially to the Penrose award. history is Peter Stuyvesant, the last governor dating the cal age range can be limited in Unfortunately, a listing of all names would of New Amsterdam. A good description of many cases to one or two decades. For blow GSA editorial policy to pieces and a his ancestry is given by Russell Shorto in instance, a major earthquake in the Seattle partial listing is dangerous territory (so I am his “The Island at the Center of the World”. region was radiocarbon dated as between told). Nevertheless, I like to acknowledge W.F.Duisenberg, the “father of the Euro”, and AD 1695 and AD 1710. Japanese historical as mentors Hl de Vries, E. S. Deevey and A. Mata Hari, whose name became a synonym tsunami data ultimately provided an AD 1700 L. Washburn, and as superb students Paula for female spy, also were Friesians. historical year (Brian Atwater, this meeting). Reimer, T. Braziunas, R.L.Burk and E. Steig. Post-war university life in the city of Isotopes play important roles in the And citationist Don Easterbrook, with much 13 Groningen was peaceful. One of the students Earth sciences. My own work was on C, optimism, made this event a reality. 14 18 14 in our physics department was Abel Tasman, C and O. C, of course, is not solely

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

ARTHUR L. DAY multi-mode surface waves, and he perfected driving force of sinking lithospheric slabs appropriate inversion methods. is nearly fully opposed by resisting forces MEDAL Not content with data that could be at overthrust plate boundaries and viscous Presented to Donald W. Forsyth gathered from land seismic stations, Don led tractions on the subducting plate. the first modern marine seismic experiment With Bill Chapple and later alone, Don to deploy a network of ocean-bottom elucidated the nature of lithospheric flexure at seismometers to measure the shear-wave trench outer rises. Whereas others had noted velocity structure of young oceanic crust and the flexural nature of outer rise topography mantle. The MELT (Mantle ELectromagnetic and gravity anomalies, Don shrewdly turned and Tomography) experiment was a to what could be learned from the mechanisms pioneering effort in marine seismology, and focal depths of outer rise earthquakes. because it demonstrated that seafloor seismic He showed persuasively that earthquakes instruments deployed from a ship could above and below the lithospheric neutral plane recover long-period seismic waves suitable divide by focal mechanism (normal faults at for the analysis of surface wave dispersion, shallow depth, thrust faults at greater depth) shear wave splitting, receiver functions, and in precisely the manner expected for a flexed mantle tomographic imaging. Again, Don plate, and he derived new constraints on the had to develop a new inversion method to thickness and properties of the mechanical accommodate multipathing in the recorded lithosphere from those observations. surface waves, a method subsequently utilized With several colleagues Don explored the Donald W. Forsyth by many others. The MELT experiment three-dimensional structure of oceanic crust Brown University provided what is now the type structure for along spreading ridge-transform boundaries a region near a super-fast spreading ridge, and the implications of those structures for demonstrated that the fast direction of shear patterns of mantle upwelling, melt generation, wave propagation is parallel to the spreading and melt delivery to crustal levels. His work direction in such a setting, and documented an involved a masterful synthesis of geophysical Citation by Sean C. Solomon asymmetry in seismic structure across the East and geochemical data with numerical models Pacific Rise axis interpreted convincingly by of three-dimensional flow and melting. Don Don Forsyth is an extraordinarily Don as a signature of enhanced asthenospheric was the first to calculate the mantle Bouguer innovative geophysicist who has made return flow from the region of the South gravity anomaly for mid-ocean ridges, to seminal contributions to an unusually Pacific Superswell. Equally importantly, strip the effects of constant crustal thickness diverse sweep of topics. Don has a knack for MELT opened the door to other long-term from the Bouguer gravity field. He discovered clarifying a problem, distilling its elements deployments of ocean-bottom seismometer bullʼs-eye lows centered on ridge segments into logical ideas, and marshalling the experiments to address mantle dynamical that he attributed to along-axis variations in observations needed to distinguish among problems in diverse oceanic settings. crustal thickness and mantle density. Donʼs those ideas. Don led one of those follow-on methodology has since been widely adopted in More than any other individual, Don experiments (GLIMPSE) to tackle the origin other studies of spreading center systems. has defined the seismic structure of oceanic of linear chains of seamounts and volcanic On top of those contributions, Don lithosphere, its variation with seafloor age, centers aligned with the spreading direction on invented the spectral coherence method and the anisotropic characteristics of oceanic young portions of the Pacific plate. Through a for inferring the thickness of the elastic mantle and their implications for plate combination of seismic measurements, gravity lithosphere in continental regions where formation and evolution. With Frank Press, anomalies, and bathymetry, Don discounted variable erosion has rendered the admittance Don showed how petrological models for both of the hypotheses previously advanced to method inapplicable; he developed techniques oceanic lithosphere could be distinguished account for such volcanic chains—small-scale for combining results from multiple fault- on the basis of a comparison of predicted and convection in rolls aligned by plate shear, and plane solutions in a region to derive rigorous observed seismic properties versus age. He lithospheric extension perpendicular to the estimates of principal stress directions; and he then applied age-binned Rayleigh and Love spreading direction. Don instead advanced the elucidated constraints on the vertical extent wave phase velocity measurements to improve new idea, based on laboratory measurements of mantle partial melting beneath mid-ocean the resolution of models for the shear-wave of two-component fluids, that the volcanic ridges from crustal thickness and major velocity structure of oceanic lithosphere. chains are signatures of the viscous element chemistry of erupted magmas. His work, later joined by his student Clyde interfingering of enriched material upwelling It is my pleasure to introduce Don Nishimura, established the age dependence of and diverging from the Superswell region with Forsyth as the 2005 Arthur Day Medalist. both the isotropic and anisotropic shear wave normal oceanic asthenosphere. structure, limited models for the thickening Donʼs influential contributions extend of the lithosphere with age, and elucidated in many other directions. With Seiya Uyeda Response by Donald W. Forsyth patterns of azimuthal and polarization Don carried out the first formal inversion Thank you Sean for the generous anisotropy versus age that constrain the of tectonic plate speeds for the forces that citation and for taking time out of your busy spreading process at ridges and the pattern contribute to plate motions. That work schedule to attend this ceremony. As a more of asthenospheric flow. In the course of that demonstrated clearly that plate speeds are senior graduate student, Sean was one of my work he developed novel analysis methods for controlled by plate subduction, and that the role models when I first arrived at MIT after

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS graduating from a small college in the Iowa people in this field are really nice. My early have been willing to play volleyball with me cornfields. By example, he taught me how mentors, Joe Phillips, Frank Press and Seiya on Friday afternoons. to stay up all night before a conference or an Uyeda, gently guided me toward important One of my greatest sources of delight abstract deadline and how to prepare figures problems. Equally important in those early is the joy of exploration. I love finding out with a balky Leroy ink pen. Thank goodness days were fellow grad students, including new things about the earth through analyzing those days are gone, at least the dealing with Sean, Keith Louden, Norm Sleep and Randy measurements; what I think of as letting the clogged pens or ink spills. Now we get to Richardson. After a stimulating three years data tell its story. But there is nothing more struggle with printers that cut off the last 6 in the seismology group at Lamont, I moved exciting than actual exploration. Iʼve been inches of your poster. on to Brown University, where I have been lucky enough to participate in cruises to all the In reading over the list of previous for the last 29 years. Brown has been a major oceans, putting down and recovering winners of the Day Medal, I have noticed wonderful place to work, with many bright ocean bottom seismometers, but also just another change that has taken place over students and congenial colleagues. Iʼve plain mapping the bathymetry, gravity and the years. It used to be that winners were worked most closely with Marc Parmentier magnetic anomalies of previously unstudied giants that strode the earth, heroes to a young and Karen Fischer, who share my interests in parts of the mid-ocean ridge system. My scientist like me. Medalists included my understanding convection, magma generation, wonderful companion on several of the cruises thesis advisor, Frank Press, and pioneers like and plate tectonic processes, but it is the has been Dan Scheirer, a master of underway Ewing, Birch, Hubbert and Bullard. Now the atmosphere of the whole department that geophysical measurements who also loves winners are simply colleagues and friends. makes it a perfect fit for me. Shared lunches, exploring new territory. Whatʼs changed of course is that now I can a drive to explore fundamental scientific Of course, a journey isnʼt much fun if add the human dimension, like my memories questions, a passion for excellence in teaching, you donʼt enjoy walking. There is a lot of of exchanging elbows with Dennis Kent and genuine caring for the well-being of the seeming drudgery involved, removing glitches on the basketball court, to the names and department and each other are part of that from data, or trying for the nth time to get a accomplishments. The human dimension atmosphere. figure or calculation just right. Here it helps diminishes the awe, but not the respect, and Perhaps the most important companions to have an aesthetic appreciation for the it increases the affection and appreciation. on the journey have been my students, both observations. I may have been brain-damaged Like the time that medalist Rick OʼConnell undergraduates and graduates. They have from too many years of hand-digitizing analog was my host when I tried to give a lecture shared struggles with faulty or inadequate seismograms, but to me, there is nothing more at Harvard despite my having the flu - the data and a commitment to excellence, they beautiful than a nicely dispersed Rayleigh predictable end result of that misjudgment have taught me how to get the printer to print wave. definitely demonstrated my human side and out that last six inches of the poster, they So, I thank my friends for nominating his graciousness! have tolerated my nit-picking about words me and the GSA for honoring me for what My wanderings through geophysics and in manuscripts, and they have been willing amounts to a walk in a fascinating park. I have geology in search of how the earth works to play with me. I canʼt mention them all, so been extraordinarily fortunate, but we are all have been delightful, greatly enhanced by the Iʼll just say that they are all above average lucky to live in an era and in a society that people who have joined me on parts of the and that my most recent three grad students, supports such endeavors. journey. Maybe I wouldnʼt say this if I was a Dayanthie Weeraratne, Yingjie Yang, and Nick geochemist, but I have found that most of the Harmon, have been to sea with me and yet still

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

YOUNG SCIENTIST has also been a major contributor to a series outstanding graduate students and a diverse of proposals that underlie the most ambitions faculty. AWARD IODP plate boundary drilling effort yet: that As a National Research Council (DONATH MEDAL) to drill into an active seismogenic portion of a Postdoctoral Fellow at the U.S. Geological subduction zone. Survey, Demian continued to work with Presented to Finally Demianʼs clarity of thought Barbara Bekins and also Steve Hickman Demian Michael Saffer also resonates through his teaching, where on geohydrogeology of the San Andreas he is inspiring many students both at the fault. Independently, he was exposed to undergraduate and graduate level. experimental work through collaboration with Demianʼs colleagues, teachers, and Chris Marone, an association that ultimately family have outlined some the reasons for was a powerful draw to his present position at Demianʼs professional success: Penn State University. Heʼs really smart, works very hard, He has had a continuing association with and is consequently very productive. His the Ocean Drilling Program and benefited strong intellect is balanced by humility, self- enormously from this rich multidisciplinary effacement, and the ability to have fun. environment. Demian listens to others, learns from And finally his partner, Melanie Forbes, others, and puts value on their contributions. is providing a supportive environment for his Heʼs dependable. When he makes a life and career. commitment, he delivers. In summary these circumstances have And finally, he rises to the occasion when developed a person with ability, desire, good given new responsibilities. interpersonal skills, a person who is willing to What underlies Demianʼs work at disciplinary boundaries and is equally accomplishments and personal qualities? How comfortable with theory, experiment, and Demian Michael Saffer Pennsylvania State University did he become the person he is? data. Unquestionably, Demian possesses strong It is particularly pleasant to be making genetic heritage. His mother tells me that he an award to Demian Saffer, who is on such was trying to understand how the world works a steep upward professional trajectory, a from his earliest years on. person who is making outstanding scientific Citation by J. Casey Moore Secondly, his family obviously provided contributions and continuously developing Tonight Demian Saffer receives the a supportive environment for his growth his intuition, creativity, and originality. I am Young Scientist Award for his outstanding through constantly trying to satisfy and certain that GSAʼs Young Scientist Award contributions in the field of geofluids. encourage his natural curiosity. There are will help spur Demian on to ever-greater His work at this multidisciplinary edge stories of trips to the rock store, tackle boxes accomplishments. combines elements of geohydrology and full of rocks, and lots of time spent along the seashore. In the words of this father, they also tectonics, especially in the study of plate- Response by Demian Michael Saffer boundary faults. His research integrates stayed out of his way and allowed his intellect rigorous quantitative modeling with data to flourish. I am both thrilled and honored to be this collection and experimental work. For His teachers were important and typified yearʼs recipient of the Donath Medal. As a example, he has shown that the shape of by Paul Karabinos at Williams College, hydrogeologist working to make connections tectonically constructed accretionary wedges where Demian was an undergraduate. Paul between physical hydrogeology and geologic, at convergent margins is a reflection of introduced Demian to the modeling of stress geochemical, and tectonic processes, my sediment permeability. In his recent papers on along the San Andreas fault and remarks that research has afforded the opportunity the San Andreas fault, he has demonstrated he always considered Demian as a colleague, to collaborate with—and learn from— that transport of mechanically generated even as an undergraduate. world-class petrologists, laboratory rock heat by groundwater cannot explain the Demian arrived at the University of mechanicists, and earthquake seismologists, characteristic low heat flow of this fault. California at Santa Cruz with a National among others. As is the case with most Thus, he furthered and clarified the argument Science Foundation graduate fellowship. He scientific endeavors, I share the small measure for a so-called “weak” fault. In an important was very young and completed his Ph.D. in of success I have had with a number of experimental study, he demonstrated that the four years, a harbinger this award. His NSF colleagues, mentors, family members, and smectite to illite clay transition cannot explain fellowship gave him a great deal of freedom friends. the upper aseismic to seismic transition. In to develop his interests. In this context, I was First, Iʼd like to thank my parents, these examples, Demian has brought new his advisor in the truest sense, suggesting Jeff and Susie Saffer, for both sparking and quantitative thinking, experimental opportunities rather than narrowly directing and nurturing a broad interest in scientific approaches, and careful data analysis to him. Demianʼs innate quantitative abilities discovery. Immersion in “hands-on” science fundamental problems in the geosciences. flourished at Santa Cruz under the tutelage of often took unusual form, including “dissection Demianʼs analytical ability has not only Barbara Bekins, who taught him the subtleties day” when my older sister was ten and I been focused on his own contributions. He has of numerical modeling. He also gathered an was eight. This was my Dadʼs idea of an received high praise for his work on panels appreciation for value of good data and its educational weekend activity involving of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program. He constraints through interacting with many scalpels, cowʼs hearts, and the picnic table

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS on the deck behind our house. I also thank I also owe thanks to Barbara Bekins. and as fellow shipboard scientists on cruises, my parents for their continued support and Throughout the past nine years, she has Mike Underwood and Harold Tobin have patience, even as I took apart most of our been instrumental in my development as a both been informal mentors to me. I have small appliances (but did not put them back hydrogeologist. In addition to formal training also been lucky to have talented and driven together, naturally), and as I invariably used in computational hydrogeology, I have graduate students so early in my career. In all, my entire weekly allowance – or at least learned to be a conscientious and careful I couldnʼt ask for better colleagues to learn that portion of it not docked for dismantling modeler by following her example. Perhaps alongside. appliances – to keep a local store named most importantly, Barbara has taught me My wife Melanie has been incredibly “Stones and Stuff” in business. how to distill complicated coupled problems patient and supportive of me, and for this I am As both an undergraduate and graduate involving fluid flow and deformation to perhaps most thankful. I am truly privileged to student, I was fortunate to find myself in simple, geologically relevant, and tractable have a partner who understands and shares an academic departments with vibrant synergy ones that are constrained by observation. interest in my work, but at the same time has between faculty and students. I am particularly As a young faculty member, I have shown me the immeasurable value of keeping grateful to my research mentors, Paul had the pleasure of working with many my work life in perspective. Karabinos at Williams College and Casey broadly interested and energetic colleagues Finally, I would like to thank Dr. and Moore at U.C. Santa Cruz, not only for whom I also consider as friends. Over lunch Mrs. Donath and GSA for establishing this their technical guidance on the tectonic and discussions, seminars, and the occasional award to recognize and encourage young structural geology aspects of my research, but beer, Peter Flemings, Chris Marone, Paul scientists. Accepting this award will fuel an for treating me as a collaborator first and as a Heller, Mike Cheadle, and Steve Holbrook appetite for new challenges as I look toward student second. Both also provided me with have pushed me to reach for a more complete the future, and as I endeavor to provide the extraordinary perspective and helpful advice. understanding of intertwined hydrologic and same inspiration and opportunities for others The combination of independence and respect mechanical phenomena, and have opened my that I have been fortunate enough to receive. given to their students by Paul and Casey eyes to new research directions. On a personal Thank you again for this wonderful honor. kindles creativity and a passion for research, level, they have welcomed me to new places, and is a philosophy that I strive to incorporate and shown me by example how to be a model in my roles as a teacher and a research advisor. colleague. As comrades on research projects

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

GSA DISTINGUISHED Forum online (anticipating the trend toward Any regrets? I am already missing the electronic publishing), and Benʼs vision copious free drinks from colleagues during SERVICE AWARD ensured that Geology is now the premier my Geology days. More truthfully, I wish I Presented to Ben A. van der Pluijm geosciences journal in the world. For these could remember many more of the papers signal contributions, he deserves the 2005 I handled. I also wish that I could have Distinguished Service Award. published some of the insightful reviews we received. The peer review system may have weaknesses, but it easily beats the alternatives, Response by Ben A. van der Pluijm regardless whether reviewers are identified or Thank you Dave for these kind words, anonymous. sorry you cannot be here, and Rob for reading In closing, I want to thank my fellow them, and thank you GSA for this recognition. editors, Lee Kump and Hugh Jenkyns, and After several thousand manuscripts, untold especially Dave Fastovsky, the entire GSA emails, many GSA committee meetings, publications staff, particularly Anika Burkard outrageous anecdotes and the occasional and Jon Olsen, and many entertaining Geology cover indulgence (slide: Feb 2003 colleagues who must remain anonymous. A “white issue”), limiting these comments to a special thanks to my Geology assistant Carol few words is difficult. But, as I wrote so many Traynor who kept me afloat for > 5 years with times myself, itʼll have to meet our firm page her dedication, care and humor. I look forward constraint. Only a few items will therefore be continuing my involvement with GSA, and Ben A. van der Pluijm highlighted. hopefully seeing more of my papers accepted University of Michigan Working with GSA Publications, we in its wonderful publications. ushered the publications process into the Thank you. electronic era. Geology went cold turkey in 2001, so was among the first to reap the Citation by David E. Fastovsky benefits of the Internet. Without snail mail we cut 2 months of the editorial cycle and gained It is relatively easy to accumulate a much greater access to overseas scientists, distinguished dossier of service to a Society; leading to a truly international journal that, it is a more noteworthy accomplishment to today, rapidly delivers exciting papers to a make contributions that truly change the way global readership. Combined with Geology the Society and its membership do business. growing prestige (slide: Jon Stewart with Ben van der Pluijm has the dossier but more Geology), the electronic system also led to an significantly, Ben changed the way that the increase in submissions from ~650 to ~1000 Society and its membership do business. per year, which, in turn, led to the addition of Briefly reviewing that dossier, Ben a 3rd editor and a new internal management was on the Editorial Board of Geology system. (1991–1993); he served on the Committee on Research Grants (1992–1994); he served on the Committee on External Awards (1995); he co-convened a Penrose Conference (1997); and as co-editor of Geology (1999–2004), he also served on the Publications Committee. Ben brought unshakeable integrity coupled with a fierce independence to the Geology editorship. His explicit goal was to see papers in Geology accorded the prestige of publications in Science or Nature. Increases in submissions brought aggressive pressure from many quarters to increase acceptance rates. Though pejoratively dubbed a “cowboy” at the time, ultimately Benʼs vision of a highly prestigious, selective journal carried the day. Submission, citation, and subscription rates continue to climb at Geology, affirming Benʼs fundamental insights. Geology is now a different journal from the one that Ben first inherited. Ben saw it through the growing pains of electronic submission, Ben moved the

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

GSA PUBLIC SERVICE as a collection would comprise an eminently political world is hard won but easily lost, and readable cross-section of those issues spanning it is accomplished by earning the trust and AWARD public policy and the geosciences over nearly respect of lawmakers and their staffs over the Presented to J. David R. Applegate a decade. Perhaps Geotimes will take the hint. years. Dave has the ability to speak truth to Daveʼs “Political Scene” columns were a power, and to be heard when it counts. sampling of a prodigious outflow of analysis GSA has made an inspired choice in and commentary on topics ranging from the selecting David Applegate as this yearʼs intricacies of the federal budget process to recipient of its Public Service Award. Happily the geological and political complexities of for the entire earth sciences community, nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain. we honor Dave near to the beginning of His writings informed, as you might expect, his career and can look forward to his readers of geoscience publications like future accomplishments in advancing the GSA Today, Eos, AAPG Explorer, and geosciences to the benefit of us all. Seismological Research Letters, but he also wrote for the Ecological Society of America NewSource, the Natural Hazards Observer, Response by J. David R. Applegate and the Skeptical Inquirer. And Dave took Thank you for this recognition! Knowing on issues such as creationism when the who the previous recipients are makes “debate” stretched uncomfortably beyond this all the more meaningful. I am of the boundaries of reasonableness most scientists generation that came to geology through the J. David R. Applegate take for granted. On this particularly vexing words of John McPhee, developing a view U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia and persistent topic, it takes special talent of the science so hopelessly romantic that to keep oneʼs wits about one when the other four summers of field work in Death Valley side doesnʼt follow the norms of scientific could barely put a dent in it. I am fortunate to debate. The geoscience community has been have worked alongside Julie Jackson at the Citation by Peter F. Folger extremely fortunate to have Dave Applegate American Geological Institute, watching Earth arguing on the side of good science eloquently Science Week blossom under her care, and I Public service in the geosciences is and forcefully for many years. am in awe of Stephen Jay Gould and Eugenie difficult to define in a manner satisfactory It also takes special talent to move easily Scott, powerful voices on behalf of the to all who understand its value and who between the worlds of geoscience and public teaching of evolution. Personal heroes all. wish to honor those in our community who policy and to make an impact in both as It is an honor to be introduced by my deserve distinction. The GSA Public Service Dave has. He can and does testify in front of distinguished colleague from the American Award admirably captures important aspects: congressional committees during the day and Geophysical Union. In Washington, people improving public understanding of earth teach courses on environmental geology and refer to their distinguished colleagues all the sciences or serving decision makers in the natural hazards at Johns Hopkins University time, but they seldom mean it. I do. For the application of earth science information to at night. He can and does get his haircut at the better part of a decade, I have had the good public policy. Yet even that description falls U.S. Senate barbershop, rubbing elbows with fortune to make common cause with Pete, short when applied to this yearʼs recipient, our senior politicians, and he also rubs elbows his enthusiasm and commitment carrying us David Applegate. with greenhorn undergraduate geologists on through many a geopolitical scrape. A Supreme Court justice once said, on the outcrop while teaching field camp at the Without money to put in campaign the topic of public indecency, that it is difficult University of Utah. He is currently the senior coffers or voter blocs to sway, geoscience to define pornography, but you knew it when science advisor for earthquake and geologic societies have but one case to make for policy you saw it. Similarly, we struggle to define hazards at the USGS, leading the surveyʼs action: public value. Fortunately, we have a the nature and value of public service in the earthquake hazards, global seismographic strong case to make, because geoscientists geosciences, and what defines true excellence network and geomagnetism programs, and yet have a great deal of relevant expertise and in that endeavor. But we know it when we see continues to be a source of wisdom and insight perspective to contribute to important policy it embodied in David Applegate. to the community at large on other issues that debates. I owe my career as a science policy What are the data that support this link the geosciences to public policy. wonk to the commitment made by geoscience observation? They are numerous. Dave led the These are a sampling of Daveʼs societies to actively engage in this arena. Government Affairs Program at the American contributions that have advanced the Earth An AGU congressional science fellowship Geological Institute for 8 years and elevated sciences in the public interest. There is an brought me to Washington in 1994, where I it to a new level of excellence, capturing the entire other class of activities where Dave has experienced the inner workings of a Senate John Wesley Powell Award from the USGS in excelled, but which do not appear on his CV committee during a year of political sea 2003. Dave did all of the government affairs or list of accomplishments. People in positions change that brought with it the threatened for most of AGIʼs 42 member societies, and of influence and political power occasionally elimination of the U.S. Geological Survey. he added immense value to other member do stupid things, and a timely phone call to That experience showed me the importance of societies with their own programs. Dave a congressional office or a prudent visit to a building broad coalitions of support and the served double duty as editor for Geotimes senate staff member can often steer a decision- willingness of the geoscience community to for 4 years and penned 75 “Political Scene” maker back towards a sensible course of mobilize for a cause. columns for the magazine. His columns action. Having access and influence in the were a joy to read, timely and relevant, and THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2005 MEDALS & AWARDS

I applaud GSA for its support of trusting my judgment and providing the hazard information, getting it into the hands of congressional fellowships—our most direct resources needed to get the job done. I also the people who need it when they need it and means of injecting geoscience expertise into want to express gratitude to Jon Price and in a form they can use. the policymaking process—and express my Murray Hitzman, early guides in D.C. who The devastation in Sumatra changed our gratitude for the contributions that GSA made have remained long-time mentors and friends, world, and we have a moral responsibility to to the AGI Government Affairs Program and to Kasey White, Margaret Baker, Emily avoid a similar catastrophe whether in that during my eight years there. Support from Wallace, and the many geoscience student region, the Caribbean, or around the Pacific GSA and other member societies enabled interns who rose to the challenges that a Rim. Recognizing that scientific knowledge the program to grow toward a goal that Sam small program provides. Moving beyond and warning systems must be paired with Adams set for me when I first arrived at AGI: work, my thanks to David Dinter and the public education, let us all take a lesson from That there not be a single major issue facing University of Utah for allowing me to still be Caltechʼs Kerry Sieh, whose posters for the geoscience community in Washington a field geologist on occasion. And to Heidi for Sumatran coastal communities conveyed what to which the program did not respond. I am showing me just how glorious life can be. he had learned about past tsunamis and what indebted to Sam not only for handing me such During my decade in Washington, I to do about the threat from future ones. The an elegantly simple, albeit daunting, challenge, have known many public servants, but I did work of every geoscientist in this room has but also for his encouragement and guidance not fully apprehend the meaning of public implications for society. We have an obligation throughout my time at AGI and especially service until I joined the USGS last year. to explain those implications and by doing so, during our collaboration on Geotimes. His is a From the inside, I see just how hard the make a difference in a town, a school system, steady compass. Surveyʼs extraordinary scientists are working a legislature, or along a coast half a world I am also indebted to AGIʼs Executive to understand geologic hazards and to build away. Director, Marcus Milling, for giving me partnerships that translate understanding into Thank you very much. enough rope with which to hang myself, better building codes and faster delivery of

THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA