Norman Levi Bowen

Norman Levi Bowen was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada June 21, 1887 and died on September 11, 1956. Bowen "revolutionized experimental petrology and our understanding of mineral crystallization. Beginning geology students are familiar with his "reaction series" depicting how different minerals crystallize under varying pressures and temperatures." (Chamot)

Bowen conducted experimental research at the Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington from 1912 to 1937. He published The Evolution of the Igneous Rocks in 1928. This book set the stage for a geochemical and geophysical foundation for the study of rocks and minerals. This book became the petrology handbook. He was awarded the Penrose Medal in 1941.

Bowen married Mary Lamont in 1911, and they had a daughter Catherine.

A prize, the Norman L. Bowen Award, is awarded annually by the American Geophysical Union.

References

• Chamot, Josh. 100 Years of Science History., Geotimes, 3 (2002): 44-45. Html: [1]
• Norman L. Bowen, science.ca Profile. Available from: [2]
• Yoder, H. S., Jr. Norman L. Bowen: The Experimental Approach to Petrology. GSA Today 5 (1998): 10-11. Available: [3]
• Yoder, H. S., Jr. Norman L. Bowen (1887-1956), MIT Class of 1912, First Predoctoral Fellow of the Geophysical Laboratory. Earth Sciences History 1 (1992): 45-55. Available: [4]
• Norman Levi Bowen Papers, 1907-1980 (Bulk 1907-1955), Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, D.C., Finding aid written by: Jennifer Snyder, March 2004, PDF available: [5]
• Strickler, Mike, Ask GeoMan..., What is Bowen's Reaction Series?, [6]

External links

• Bowen bibliography site
• List of Bowen Award winners

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