Pat Suggate facts for kids

Richard Patrick "Pat" Suggate (born March 17, 1922 – died June 16, 2016) was an important New Zealand geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth's solid features, like rocks, mountains, and how the planet has changed over time. Pat Suggate was especially known for his work on coal and for studying how glaciers in New Zealand moved and changed.

From 1974 to 1986, he was the director of the New Zealand Geological Survey. This is a big science organization that studies the geology of New Zealand.

Who Was Pat Suggate?

Pat Suggate was born in London, England, in 1922. He later moved to New Zealand, where he became a leading expert in geology. His research helped us understand more about New Zealand's natural resources and its past climate.

Studying Coal

One of Pat Suggate's main areas of study was coal. Coal is a type of rock that can be burned for energy. He looked closely at the "properties" of coal, which means its different features and how it behaves. He also studied "coal rank."

• Coal Rank: This term describes how much a piece of coal has changed over millions of years due to heat and pressure. Coal starts as plant matter and slowly turns into different types of coal, like lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. Pat Suggate's research helped scientists understand these changes better. This was important for finding and using coal resources in New Zealand.

Tracking Glaciers

Pat Suggate also spent a lot of time studying New Zealand's glaciers. Glaciers are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. He researched how these glaciers had grown (advanced) and shrunk (retreated) over long periods of time.

• Glacier Changes: By studying glaciers, scientists can learn about past climates. When glaciers grow, it often means the climate was colder. When they shrink, it suggests warmer times. Pat Suggate's work helped create a clearer picture of New Zealand's climate history.

Leading Science in New Zealand

Being the director of the New Zealand Geological Survey was a very important job. The Survey is a government organization that collects information about New Zealand's geology. This information is used for many things, like finding natural resources, understanding natural hazards (like earthquakes), and planning for the future.

• Director's Role: As director, Pat Suggate led many scientists and projects. He helped guide the research that explored New Zealand's land and its resources.

Awards and Recognition

Pat Suggate's hard work and important discoveries were recognized with several awards.

• Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit: In 2003, he received the "Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit." This is a special honor given to people who have done great things for New Zealand. He received it for his many contributions to geology.
• Other Awards: He also received the Hutton Medal and the McKay Hammer, both important awards for scientists in New Zealand. He was also a "Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand," which is a group of top scientists in the country.

Pat Suggate passed away in Wellington, New Zealand, on June 16, 2016, when he was 94 years old. His work continues to help us understand the amazing geology of New Zealand.