The Vetlesen Prize is a prize in geology awarded jointly by Columbia University's Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory and the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation. The prize is generally regarded as the highest distinction in geologic studies, and the "Nobel Prize for geology".
Background The Vetlesen Prize has been described as an attempt to establish an equivalent of a Nobel Prize for geophysics or geology. The prize is awarded for scientific achievement resulting in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history, or its relations to the universe. The prize was established in 1959 and is awarded on average once every two years, if the jury selects at least one worthy candidate during this period.
History G. Unger Vetlesen established the foundation which bears his name shortly before his death in 1955. In addition to the Vetlesen Prize, the foundation provides support in the Earth sciences for institutions of excellence. The prize is awarded for scientific achievement resulting in a clearer understanding of the Earth, its history, or its relations to the universe. The prize is awarded on average once every two years, if the jury selects at least one worthy candidate during this period.
Past recipients Source:
2023 - David L. Kohlstedt, USA 2020 - Anny Cazenave, France 2017 - Mark Cane, USA; S. George Philander, USA 2015 - Robert Stephen John Sparks, United Kingdom 2012 - Susan Solomon, USA; Jean Jouzel, France 2008 - Walter Alvarez, USA 2004 - Sir Nicholas Shackleton, United Kingdom : W. Richard Peltier, Canada 2000 - W. Jason Morgan, USA; Walter C. Pitman III, USA; Lynn R. Sykes, USA 1996 - Robert E. Dickinson, USA; John Imbrie, USA 1993 - Walter Munk, USA 1987 - Wallace S. Broecker, USA; Harmon Craig, USA 1981 - Marion King Hubbert, USA 1978 - J. Tuzo Wilson, Canada 1974 - Chaim Leib Pekeris, Israel 1973 - William A. Fowler, USA 1970 - Allan V. Cox, USA 1970 - Richard R. Doell, USA; S. Keith Runcorn, United Kingdom 1968 - Francis Birch, USA; Sir Edward Bullard, United Kingdom 1966 - Jan Hendrik Oort, Netherlands 1964 - Pentti Eskola, Finland 1964 - Arthur Holmes, United Kingdom 1962 - Sir Harold Jeffreys, United Kingdom 1962 - Felix Andries Vening Meinesz, Netherlands 1960 - W. Maurice Ewing, USA
See also List of geology awards List of geophysics awards
References