Experienced
Recognizing Outstanding Work in Magnetism of Earth Materials and of the Earth and Planets
The William Gilbert Award is given annually to one honoree in recognition of outstanding and unselfish work in rock magnetism, geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, electromagnetism, or related subjects.
Nominees must display excellence in scientific rigor, originality and impact; leadership and service to the geomagnetism, paleomagnetism and electromagnetism research community; or development of new cross-disciplinary research areas and methods.
- An award plaque
- An award certificate
- Recognition at AGU's annual meeting the year the honor is awarded
About the Geomagnetism, Paleomagnetism and Electromagnetism Section
Members of the Geomagnetism, Paleomagnetism and Electromagnetism Section study the ancient and current magnetic field, from Earth’s core to other planets and to outer space, to gain an understanding of Earth’s structure, dynamics, and history and its relationship to other planets.
Geomagnetists measure the Earth’s magnetic field at present and use measurements taken over the past few centuries to devise theoretical models to explain its origin. Paleomagnetists have an eye to history: they interpret fossil magnetization in rocks and sediments from the Earth’s continents and oceans, which record the spreading of the seafloor, the wandering of the continents, and the many reversals of polarity that Earth’s magnetic field has undergone through time; similar data can be analyzed from extraterrestrial bodies. Electromagnetists employ changing magnetic fields for fundamental research purposes and for the benefit of mankind, by measuring the small electrical currents that can be induced in the crust and mantle and interpreting them in terms of electrical conductivity.