Michael Bickle facts for kids

Michael James Bickle is a British geologist and a professor at the University of Cambridge. He is known for his important work in understanding how our planet works. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very special honor for scientists.

Who is Michael Bickle?

Michael Bickle was born on February 26, 1948. He became a geologist, which is a scientist who studies the Earth's solid parts. This includes rocks, mountains, and how they were formed. He teaches at the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge.

What Does a Geologist Do?

Geologists like Professor Bickle explore the Earth's history. They study how continents move and how mountains are built. They also look at how different materials are formed deep inside the Earth. This helps us understand natural events like earthquakes and volcanoes.

Professor Bickle's Research

Professor Bickle's research helps us understand the Earth's processes. He uses different methods to study rocks and the Earth's interior.

Studying Earth's Melts

In the 1980s, Professor Bickle worked with another scientist, Dan McKenzie. They studied how rocks melt deep inside the Earth. This melting creates magma, which can erupt as lava from volcanoes. Their work helped explain what these melted rocks are made of.

Carbon Cycle and Climate

Later, Professor Bickle focused on the Earth's carbon cycle. This is how carbon moves between the atmosphere, oceans, and land. He studied how rocks break down over time, a process called weathering. This process helps remove carbon dioxide from the air.

Carbon Capture and Storage

He also researches carbon capture and storage. This is a way to trap carbon dioxide from the air or from power plants. Then, it is stored safely underground. This helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. It is an important part of fighting climate change.

Awards and Honors

Professor Bickle has received many important awards for his work. These awards show how much his research has helped science.

• In 2002, he became a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.
• In 2003, he received the Coke Medal from the Geological Society.
• In 2007, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is one of the oldest and most respected scientific organizations.
• In 2022, he was awarded the Murchison Medal by the Geological Society. This medal is given for important contributions to geology.

These honors highlight his significant impact on the field of Earth sciences.