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Union Medals • Union Awards • Section and Focus Group Awards • Other Recognitions
Bowie • Macelwane • Smith • Fleming • Bucher • Ewing • Hess • Horton • Lehmann • Whitten • Revelle
AGU’s highest honor was established in 1939 in honor of William Bowie for his “spirit of helpfulness and friendliness in unselfish cooperative research.” Bowie was the first president of AGU (1920–1922) and the first recipient of the medal. The Bowie medal, awarded annually, acknowledges an individual for outstanding contributions to fundamental geophysics and for unselfish cooperation in research, one of the guiding principles of AGU.
William Bowie was a distinguished geodesist who was not only one of the founders of the American Geophysical Union and the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics but was also an architect of international cooperation in geophysical research.
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Established in 1961 and renamed in 1986 in honor of James B. Macelwane, this medal recognizes significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by an outstanding young scientist (less than 36 years of age). Macelwane, the thirteenth president of AGU (1953–1956), was renowned not just for his contributions to geophysics but also for his deep interest in teaching and encouraging young scientists. The first recipient of this medal was James N. Brune. As many as three medals may (but need not) be given annually and up to five medals may be given annually under exceptional circumstances on the unanimous vote of the selection committee.
James B. Macelwane was a seismologist at Saint Louis University. During the 1920s and 1930s, working with students and colleagues, he used seismic P waves to derive early velocity models of the mantle, developed travel time curves for numerous seismic phases, developed methods for hypocentral determinations of deep earthquakes, and showed that 4- to 10-s microseisms are traveling waves originating from storms at sea. He was a leader in establishing seismology on a firm theoretical basis, and published the textbook Introduction to Theoretical Seismology in 1936. He was renowned for both his numerous contributions to research and his interest in education.
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In honor of Waldo E. Smith’s tireless efforts to build AGU into a vibrant, growing organization, this medal was established in 1982 for extraordinary service to geophysics. This medal honors individuals who have played unique leadership roles in such diverse areas as scientific associations, education, legislation, research, public understanding of science, management, and philanthropy, and whose accomplishments have greatly strengthened and helped advance the geophysical sciences. Smith was named the first Executive Secretary of AGU in 1944, and in 1970 he was given the title of Executive Director Emeritus. He was the first recipient of the medal, which recognizes extraordinary service to geophysics. The Smith Medal is given not more than every other year, with the next award in 2008.
Waldo E. Smith was the American Geophysical Union’s first Executive Director. A civil engineer by training, Smith managed the administrative affairs of AGU from 1944 through 1970. Throughout his tenure as chief staff officer and editor, he worked tirelessly to promote geophysics on the national and international scene, with AGU at its forefront.
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This medal was established in 1960 in honor of John Adam Fleming and his important contributions to the establishment of magnetic standards and measurements. Fleming was General Secretary of AGU from 1925 to 1947. This annual medal recognizes original research and technical leadership in geomagnetism, atmospheric electricity, aeronomy, space physics, and related sciences. Lloyd V. Berkner was the first recipient.
John Adam Fleming was associated with the science of geomagnetism throughout his career, and with the American Geophysical Union from its founding until his death. He was secretary of the AGU Terrestrial Magnetism and Atmospheric Electricity Section from 1920 to 1929, AGU General Secretary from 1925 to 1947, and Honorary President from 1947 on. He edited the AGU’s Transactions, organized its annual meetings, and was its insistent dues collector at a time when the membership was much smaller than it is now. His life of service to AGU was exemplary.
Fleming Biography
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Established in 1966, this medal recognizes original contributions to the basic knowledge of the Earth’s crust. It is named for Walter H. Bucher, President of AGU from 1948 to 1953 and a major contributor to the study of crustal problems. J. Tuzo Wilson received the first Bucher Medal, which is granted not more often than every other year.
Walter Hermann Bucher’s primary contribution to geology was his work on tectonics of the Earth and the major structural features of the Earth’s crust. The numerous elected memberships in scientific societies, medals, awards, and honorary doctorates he held reflect the high esteem his peers bestowed on him.
Bucher Biography
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Maurice Ewing made significant contributions to deep-sea exploration, and this medal recognizes researchers who do the same. Established in 1974 and jointly sponsored with the United States Navy, the Ewing Medal is presented to geoscientists who make significant original contributions to the understanding of physical, geophysical, and geological processes in the ocean; to those who advance oceanographic engineering, technology, and instrumentation; and to those who perform outstanding service to the marine sciences. Walter H. Munk was the first recipient of this medal, which is given not more often than annually.
Maurice Ewing was singularly responsible for the development of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, serving as its founding director from 1949 to 1972, before leaving to found the Earth and Planetary Sciences Division of the University of Texas Marine Sciences Institute. Ewing and his colleagues wrote over 340 research papers, covering marine geophysics, seismic refraction and reflection, oceanic gravity measurements, sound transmission in seawater, ocean bottom photography, and Pleistocene glacial-interglacial oscillations.
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This medal was established in 1974 in honor of Robert E. Horton’s contributions to the study of the hydrologic cycle. Walter B. Langbein was the first recipient of this medal, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the geophysical aspects of hydrology. The Horton Medal is given not more often than annually.
Robert Elmer Horton is rightfully deemed the father of modern hydrology. During his 50-year career, in more than 100 papers, discussions, and reports, he contributed precisely those essential analytical concepts, with confirming experimental evidence, that resulted in our present understanding of the complex rainfall-runoff relationship.
Horton Biography
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President of the Geodesy Section from 1950 to 1953 and the Tectonophysics Section from 1956 to 1959, Harry H. Hess made many contributions to geology, mineralogy, and geophysics. The medal named for him was established in 1984 to honor outstanding achievements in research of the constitution and evolution of Earth and sister planets. Gerald J. Wasserburg was the first recipient of the Hess Medal, which is given not more often than annually.
Harry H. Hess, who was Professor of Geology at Princeton University for more than 30 years, made major contributions to the study of the oceanic lithosphere, including the concept that convection cells in the mantle were the driving force for seafloor spreading. Hess discovered and explained the formation of flat-topped seamounts (guyots); performed seafloor gravity studies while submerged aboard U.S. Navy submarines; conducted detailed mineralogic and petrologic studies of peridotites; and was an originator of scientific ocean drilling by the Mohole Project.
Hess Biography
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To honor Charles A. Whitten for his contributions to research in crustal movements, AGU established this medal in 1984. Whitten served as President of the Geodesy Section from 1964 to 1968 and General Secretary of AGU from 1968 to 1974. This medal, which was first awarded to Whitten, recognizes outstanding achievement in research on the form and dynamics of the Earth and planets. The Charles A. Whitten Medal is given no more than every other year.
Charles Whitten was a geodesist with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey who made outstanding contributions to the geodetic sciences and the work of the American Geophysical Union. He was the best known American geodesist of his day, and his kindness to his colleagues and devotion to his profession are legendary.
Whitten Biography
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President of the Ocean Sciences Section from 1956 to 1959, Roger Revelle made substantial contributions to the awareness of global change. Established in 1991, the Revelle Medal recognizes outstanding accomplishments or contributions toward the understanding of the Earth’s atmospheric processes, including its dynamics, chemistry, and radiation; and toward the role of the atmosphere, atmosphere-ocean coupling, or atmosphere-land coupling in determining the climate, biogeochemical cycles, or other key elements of the climate system. Edward N. Lorenz was the first recipient of this medal, given not more often than annually.
Roger Revelle was an oceanographer best known for his pioneering work on carbon dioxide balance in the oceans and its effect on climate modification, for fostering oceanographic exploration presaging plate tectonics, for observations on the biological effects of radiation in the marine environment, and for studies of human population growth and global food supplies. The breadth of his research and national/international service made him a statesman of science.
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Inge Lehmann is the only woman to have been awarded the Bowie Medal. In honor of that achievement and her many contributions to the research of the Earth’s mantle and inner core, the Union established a medal in her name. The Lehmann Medal will be given not more often than every other year in recognition of outstanding contributions to the understanding of the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle and core. The first Lehmann Medal was awarded in 1997.
Inge Lehmann was a Danish seismologist whose painstaking examination of seismograph records and ability to discard unessential detail led to her discovery of the Earth’s inner core, one of the most important advances in our knowledge of the Earth’s interior. Previously, the core was assumed to be homogeneous, but Lehmann’s work showed that the behavior of seismic waves and their time curves could be explained more satisfactorily if a distinct central part were reflecting the compressional waves. Lehmann later went on to become an authority in the structure of the upper mantle of the Earth.
Lehmann Biography
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Flinn • International • Education • Cowen • Sullivan • Perlman • Spilhaus • Falkenberg
Established in 1990 in honor of Edward A. Flinn III and the standard he set as an outstanding science facilitator, this award recognizes individuals who personify the Union’s motto “unselfish cooperation in research” through their facilitating, coordinating, and implementing activities that have strengthened the infrastructure on which our research depends. This award is for the unsung heroes who provide the ideas, motivation and labors of love that build and maintain the structure without which our science could not flourish. Robert Watson was the first recipient of this award, which is given not more often than annually.
Edward A. Flinn III was an internationally renowned Earth scientist, expert particularly in the fields of seismology and geodesy. His broad vision, scope, and organizational abilities often resulted in fundamental and spectacularly successful international cooperative projects. As Chief of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Geodynamics Program, he directed a global research effort using laser ranging to satellites and to the Moon, together with radiation from quasars, to detect the motion and deformation of the Earth’s crust.
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New in 2007, the award for international research cooperation was established to recognize an individual scientist or a small team for making an outstanding contribution to furthering the Earth and space sciences and using our science for the benefit of society in less favored nations.
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New in 1996, the Excellence in Geophysical Education Award was established to acknowledge a sustained commitment to excellence in geophysical education by a team, individual, or group. The award will be given not more often than annually to educators who have had a major impact on geophysical education at any level (kindergarten through post-graduate), who have been outstanding teachers and trainers for a number of years; or who have made a long-lasting, positive impact on geophysical education through professional service.
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In order to recognize a journalist or a group that has made significant, lasting, and consistent contributions to accurate reporting or writing on the geophysical sciences for the general public, the Union established in 1991 the Sustained Achievement Award in Science Journalism. Richard Kerr of Science won the first award in 1993. Since 2001, the award has been named for Robert C. Cowen, longtime science editor of The Christian Science Monitor. The Award is presented not more often than every two years.
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Named for the renowned science writer of The New York Times, the first Walter Sullivan Award for Excellence in Science Journalism was presented to Sullivan in 1989. Effective in 2000, it has been recast as an award for science feature writing, defined as work prepared with a deadline of more than one week. It is presented annually to a journalist for a single report in any medium except books that makes geophysical information accessible and interesting to the general public. Any member of AGU may make a nomination, as may journalists themselves.
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Named for the distinguished science editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, the first David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism—News was presented at the 2000 Fall Meeting. It recognizes excellence in science news reporting, defined as work prepared with a deadline of one week or less. It is presented annually to a journalist for a single report in any medium except books that makes geophysical information accessible and interesting to the general public. Any member of AGU may make a nomination, as may journalists themselves.
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The Athelstan Spilhaus Award recognizes members of the American Geophysical Union who have devoted portions of their lives to expressing the excitement, significance, and beauty of the Earth and space sciences to the general public.
Recipients of the Spilhaus Award must be AGU members both when the activity being honored occurred and at the time the award is made. The award is recognized by a presentation piece to be given at an AGU meeting. The award was first presented in 2006.
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The Charles S. Falkenberg Award was established in 2002 and is presented jointly by AGU and the Earth Science Information Partnership (ESIP). The award is for a scientist under 45 years of age who has contributed to the quality of life, economic opportunities and stewardship of the planet through the use of Earth science information and to the public awareness of the importance of understanding our planet.
Trained as a computer scientist, Charles Falkenberg focused on enabling practical applications of Earth science through data visualization and information technology. This award is dedicated to his memory. Charles Falkenberg, his wife Leslie, and their daughters Zoe and Dana died in the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
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Hydrology • VGP • Ocean Sciences • Planetary Sciences • Atmospheric Sciences • Cryosphere • Geodesy • Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism • Seismology • SPA • Nonlinear Geophysics • Natural Hazards
The Hydrologic Sciences Award, known as the the Robert E. Horton Award from 1956 to 1998 was established in 1956 and is granted by the Section for contributions over a career (with an emphasis on the past five years).
The Early Career Hydrologic Sciences Award was established in 2008 by the Hydrology section to recognize "an awardee that shows exceptional promise of continued contributions to the hydrologic sciences."
The N. L. Bowen Award is given annually by the Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology Section to recognize outstanding contributions to volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology.
The Hisashi Kuno Award was established by the Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology section in 2008 and is given for outstanding contributions to the fields of Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology within seven years of the award of the Ph.D.
Established in 1982, the Ocean Sciences Award is presented for outstanding and long-standing service to the ocean sciences.
The Whipple Award, established in 1989 by the Planetary Sciences Section, is presented to an individual who makes an outstanding contribution to the field of planetary science.
The James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award was established by the Atmospheric Sciences section in 2004 and is given to an outstanding junior atmospheric scientist within 3 years of their Ph.D.
The Yoram J. Kaufman Unselfish Cooperation in Research Award was established by the Atmospheric Sciences section in 2008 and is given for broad influence in atmospheric science through exceptional creativity, inspiration of younger scientists, mentoring, international collaborations, and unselfish cooperation in research.
The Cryosphere Young Investigator Award was established by the Cryosphere Focus Group in 2004 and is given to an outstanding junior scientist within 5 years of their Ph.D. for a significant contribution to cryospheric science and technology.
The Geodesy Section Award was established to recognize major advances in geodesy by members who are in early- to mid-career.
The William Gilbert Award may be given annually to a candidate who exhibits excellence in at least one of the following categories: scientific rigor, originality, and the impact of research; leadership and service to the GP research community; development of new cross-disciplinary research areas and methods.
The Keiiti Aki Young Scientist Award was established by the Seismology section in 2008 and is given to an outstanding young seismologist who is within 3 years of receiving his/her Ph.D.
The Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award in Sun-Earth Systems Science was established by the Space Physics and Aeronomy section in 2008 to recognize outstanding contributions to research in Sun-Earth Systems Science that further the understanding of both plasma physical processes and their applications for the benefit of society.
The Donald L. Turcotte Award was established by the Nonlinear Geophysics focus group in 2008 to recognize an outstanding dissertation by a recent graduate that contributes directly to nonlinear geophysics.
The Natural Hazards Focus Group Award for Graduate Research was established in 2009 to recognize "promising young scientists engaged in studies of natural hazards and risks." The awardee is honored for outstanding contributions achieved during their Ph.D research.
The F. L. Scarf Award was established in 1989 by the Space Physics and Aeronomy Section to recognize an outstanding dissertation that contributes directly to solar-planetary science. The Awardee is required to deliver an invited paper on his or her dissertation topic at the AGU Spring or Fall Meeting. The first recipient of the Scarf Award in 1991 was Margaret Chen.
Two Horton Research Grants may be awarded each year in support of Ph.D. candidates in hydrology or water resources research. The Horton Research Grant was first awarded in 1983 to Jane L. Stockman.
The Mineral and Rock Physics Graduate Research Award (known formerly as the Mineral and Rock Physics Outstanding Student Award) is granted by the Mineral and Rock Physics Committee to young scientists engaged in experimental or theoretical studies of minerals and Earth materials with the purpose of unraveling the physics and chemistry that govern their properties. The first recipient of the Mineral and Rock Physics Outstanding Student Award in 1990 was Donald Isaak.
Sections of AGU also present their own commendations for Outstanding Student Papers presented at an AGU meeting or in one of the Union’s journals.
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