The Most Inspiring Geophysicists, According to Paul Favret

Geophysicists have added many contributions to the world over the years. They have helped facilitate humanity's knowledge of the Earth's structure, locate and recover valuable resources, and much more. Today, Paul Favret discusses some of the most notable geophysicists that have inspired many people and a role model for some scientist.

Francis Birch

While some may know Francis Birch for his contributions to the Manhattan Project, his legacy in science cannot be overstated. He began his scientific career working on geophysics as a research assistant. Birch eventually published more than 100 papers and developed theoretical and experimental models for the Earth's interior, the Birch-Murnaghan equation of state. In 1961, he discovered and published a paper on Birch's law, which establishes a linear relation between compressional wave velocity and the density of rocks and minerals.

Albert Crary

Being a geophysicist requires several qualities, including intellect and bravery. American geophysicist and glaciologist Albert Crary exhibited both during his active days as a scientist. He was the first to set foot on the North and South Poles. His wit, intellect, and skills made him widely admired in the science community.

Inge Lehmann

There was a time when seismologists believed that the Earth's core was a single molten sphere. Danish seismologist and geophysicist Inge Lehmann corrected the misconception when she discovered that the planet had a solid inner core and a molten outer core in 1936. She was also a trailblazer for women scientists after she succeeded despite the research community being dominated by males in earlier years. Lehmann died at 104 years old, making her one of the longest-lived scientists, says Paul Favret.

Merle Tuve

Born after the turn of the 20th century, Merle Tuve became a leading scientist in his era. He studied to become a geophysicist and made a mark in various fields during his lifetime. The American geophysicist became the founding director of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Tuve was also known for pioneering pulsed radio waves, which paved the way for radar and nuclear energy development.

Do you know other influential geophysicists? Share them with other readers in the comments section. For more articles like this, visit this Paul Favret blog.