The Margerie Glacier in Alaska serves as a permanent geographical namesake for the French earth scientist Emmanuel de Margerie, who conducted a visit to the site in 1913. His professional contributions spanned the fields of geology, oceanography, and geomorphology, influencing the standards of mapping and cartographic record-keeping throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Professional Career and Academic Roles
Born in the 7th arrondissement of Paris in 1862, Emmanuel de Margerie established a career that combined university teaching with extensive research. He held the position of President of the Geological Society of France twice, serving terms in 1899 and 1919. His academic expertise earned him positions at the University of Strasbourg, where he refined his methodologies in the study of earth sciences.
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De Margerie maintained extensive international affiliations throughout his career. He was a member of the French Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. His international standing was further evidenced by his status as a Foreign Member of the Royal Society, to which he was elected in 1931. His work was also recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1922.
Awards and Distinctions
Over several decades, de Margerie received numerous honors for his contributions to the geological and geographical sciences. He was named a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1912, followed by an advancement to Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1923. His list of accolades includes the Lyell Medal in 1921, the Mary Clark Thompson Medal in 1923, the Victoria Medal in 1930, the Cullum Geographical Medal in 1919, and the Wollaston Medal in 1946.
Fast facts
- Born: 1862, 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1953, 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Occupations: Geologist, geographer, oceanographer, teacher
- Positions: President of the Geological Society of France (1899, 1919)
- Awards: Wollaston Medal (1946), Lyell Medal (1921)
- Foreign Member of the Royal Society: Elected 1931
- Legion of Honour: Knight (1912), Officer (1923)
- Glacier namesake: Margerie Glacier
Questions readers ask
What is Emmanuel de Margerie most noted for in geography?
He is recognized for his significant contributions to geology and geomorphology, and for having the Margerie Glacier named after him following his 1913 visit.
Which major scientific societies included him as a member?
He was a member of the French Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the Royal Society.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Lyell Medal
- Mary Clark Thompson Medal
- Cullum Geographical Medal
- Recorded as geologist, geographer and university teacher
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