Drummond Matthews
British geophysicist (1931-1997) · United Kingdom · On the map · Scientists · Died at 66
Drummond Hoyle Matthews FRS, known as "Drum", was a British marine geologist and geophysicist and a key contributor to the theory of plate tectonics.
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A typical day, 30 days to 16 August 2026
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His work, along with that of fellow Briton Fred Vine and Canadian Lawrence Morley, showed how variations in the magnetic properties of rocks forming the ocean floor could be consistent with, and ultimately help confirm, Harry Hammond Hess's 1962 theory of seafloor spreading. In 1989 he was awarded the Geological Society of London's highest honour, the Wollaston Medal.
The same award as Drummond
Frederick VineBoth received Chapman MedalDavid BuckinghamBoth received Hughes Medal
Lindy Elkins-TantonBoth received Arthur L. Day Prize and LectureshipMichael PepperBoth received Hughes Medal
Harmon CraigBoth received Arthur L. Day Prize and LectureshipJack OliverBoth received George P. Woollard Award