Anthony Brian Watts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Watts
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Anthony Brian Watts in 2014, portrait via the Royal Society
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Anthony Brian Watts
23 July 1945 |
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| Thesis | Geophysical investigations in the Faeroes to Scotland region, Northeast Atlantic (1970) |
| Doctoral advisor | Martin Bott |
Anthony Brian Watts is a British scientist. He studies the Earth's oceans and land beneath them. He is a Professor of Marine Geology and Geophysics at the University of Oxford.
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Learning About Earth's Secrets
Anthony Watts was born in Essex, England. He went to Sidcot School, a Quaker school. Later, he studied at University College, London. There, he earned a degree in Geology and Physics in 1967.
Advanced Studies in Earth Science
He continued his education at University of Durham. In 1970, he earned his PhD in Marine Geophysics. His research focused on the Northeast Atlantic. In 2003, he received a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Oxford.
A Career Exploring the Oceans
Professor Watts has taught at important universities. These include the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University. He also taught at the University of Oxford.
Published Works and Research
He has written over 240 scientific articles. These articles are published in respected journals. He also wrote a book called Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere. This book explains how the Earth's crust bends.
Understanding Earth's Structure
Professor Watts' main work is studying the Earth's crust. This is the outer layer of our planet. He also studies the upper mantle, which is below the crust. He focuses on these layers under the oceans.
How Oceans and Continents Form
He uses special techniques to study how the Earth's surface responds. This includes how it reacts to heavy loads like volcanoes or sediments. His research shows that the ocean floor can support these loads. It does this by bending over large areas. This bending is called flexure.
The Role of Flexure in Geology
A big part of his work is understanding this flexure. He studies how it changes based on the load and the age of the Earth's plates. This helps explain the Earth's gravity and geoid (the shape of Earth's gravity field). It also helps understand crustal structure and how layers of rock form.
Current Research Focus
Right now, he is working on how flexure affects continental margins. These are the edges of continents under the sea. He also studies how oceanic islands grow and shrink. His work helps us understand mountain belts and how landscapes change over time.
Recognized for Scientific Contributions
Professor Watts has received many awards for his work. These include the Murchison Medal and the George P. Woollard Award. He also received the Arthur Holmes Medal.
Fellow of the Royal Society
In 2014, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists. His nomination recognized his important work. He helped us understand the structure of ocean basins. He also showed how they have changed over time.
Other Honors and Lectures
He is an Honorary Member of the European Geosciences Union. He is also a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union. In 2015, he gave the Harold Jeffreys Lecture. In 2020, he received the US Navy and American Geophysical Union Maurice Ewing Medal.
