John Sutton (geologist) facts for kids

John Sutton (born July 8, 1919 – died September 6, 1992) was an important English geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth's rocks, land, and history.

John was born in London. His family was famous for starting Suttons Seeds, a well-known seed company. His father, John Gerald Sutton, was an engineer who even invented the motor lawnmower! His mother, Kathleen Richard, taught classic subjects like ancient Greek and Latin.

In 1937, John started studying science at Imperial College in London. He focused on geology and finished his degree in 1941. He served in the army during the war.

Studying Earth's Ancient Rocks

After the war, from 1946 to 1949, John Sutton did important research. He worked with another student, Janet Watson, in northwest Scotland. They studied very old rocks called Lewisian gneiss.

In 1949, both John and Janet finished their PhDs (advanced university degrees). They also got married that same year!

Their joint work on the ancient Precambrian rocks of Scotland was very important. These rocks are some of the oldest on Earth. They first shared their findings in 1951. Their research helped scientists understand how the Earth's crust formed a long, long time ago.

Because of their excellent work, John and Janet received special awards. They were given the Lyell Fund award from the Geological Society of London in 1954. Later, in 1965, they also received the Bigsby Medal.

A Career at Imperial College

John Sutton became a teacher in the Geology Department at Imperial College in 1948, even before he finished his PhD. He spent his whole career there.

He was promoted to a higher teaching position called Reader in Geology in 1956. Then, in 1958, he became a Professor of Geology.

In 1964, John became the Head of the Geology Department. Soon after, he was made Dean of the Royal School of Mines. He held this role from 1965 to 1968 and again from 1974 to 1977.

John also helped create the first research center at Imperial College that combined different subjects. It was called the Interdepartmental Centre for Environmental Technology (ICCET). He was in charge of this center for a while.

In 1980, John Sutton took on an even bigger role as Pro Rector of Imperial College. This is a senior leadership position at the university. He retired in 1983 as an Emeritus Professor, which means he kept his professor title after retiring.

Other Important Roles

John Sutton was involved in many important groups and committees from the 1960s to the 1980s.

He was a member of the BAS Scientific Advisory Committee from 1970 to 1985. This group advises on scientific research in Antarctica. He was also a member of the Natural Environment Research Council from 1977 to 1979. From 1979, he chaired the British National Committee on Antarctic Research.

He served on many other boards and councils, including the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and the Natural History Museum, London.

John was elected President of the Geologists' Association for 1966–68. In 1966, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists. He even served as their Vice-President in 1975.

John Sutton's old papers and records are kept at Imperial College.

Later Life

John Sutton passed away in 1992. He was buried in Martinstown, Dorset. To remember his contributions to geology, a place in Antarctica called the Sutton Heights is named after him.

Family

John Sutton and Janet Watson married in April 1949. They had two daughters who sadly died at birth. Janet Watson passed away in 1985. John Sutton later married Betty Middleton-Sandford.