Life and achievements
Early life
Roger Randall Dougan Revelle entered the world on March 7, 1909, in Seattle, Washington. His family moved to Pasadena, California, when he was young, and he grew up there. From an early stage, Revelle showed an excellent enthusiasm for academics, performed well in school, and had a particular interest in science. Revelle started attending Pomona College in California in 1925 to major in journalism. Still, his interests rapidly evolved into geology, which would eventually set the stage for his career in oceanography.
While at Pomona College, Revelle cultivated a love for earth sciences, inspired by a wish to investigate and know the natural world. After his 1929 undergraduate graduation, he studied oceanography at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his PhD in 1936. His early scholarly career took shape under the influence of essential mentors and his developing interest in the ocean's contribution to global systems. His work would ultimately position him at the leading edge of scientific ocean and climate investigation.
Legacy
Revelle's impact is broad and complex, reaching well past his work in oceanography. He is regularly celebrated as one of the crucial leaders in the early awareness of global climate change, notably for his contributions to the carbon cycle. His research indicated that oceans take up carbon dioxide, which has been crucial for the current understanding of climate change caused by humans. This finding is still one of the critical pillars of climate science, affecting policy and scientific research into how communities can reduce the impacts of climate change.
Revelle's contributions to education were just as revolutionary. He was essential in founding the University of California, San Diego, supporting its mission to become a leading research university worldwide. His vision focused on attracting leading scholars and students, which helped to create a setting of academic rigor and curiosity. Named for him, Revelle College at UCSD carries on his principles by concentrating on interdisciplinary research and scientific exploration.
Revelle vigorously supported worldwide cooperation in scientific research throughout his life. He believed that addressing the world's most urgent challenges, including climate change and resource management, demanded a worldwide response. His role in founding significant, cooperative research endeavors, including the International Indian Ocean Expedition, has influenced the standard for future international scientific collaborations. Generations of researchers, policymakers, and environmentalists continue to find inspiration in his dual roles as scientist and educator.
Milestone moments
Mar 20, 1936
PhD in Oceanography awarded by UC Berkeley
Roger Revelle's PhD in oceanography from UC Berkeley was the start of his career in marine science.
This success prepared the ground for his pioneering research into the ocean's function within global systems.
His early work at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography would define his future contributions to climate science.
He used his academic research to tackle practical problems, thereby progressing oceanography.
The final step in his long career as a prominent oceanographer began with completing his PhD.
It also equipped him for leadership positions at places like Scripps, where his impact would be global.
The basis for his future work on global warming and carbon cycles came from his studies in marine geology and geochemistry.
Feb 21, 1950
Leader of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Revelle took over as director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 1950.
His leadership has dramatically enlarged the institution's research capacities and raised its international visibility.
The expeditions launched by Revelle investigated previously unexamined parts of the Pacific Ocean.
These missions helped to elucidate ocean currents, marine life, and tectonic activity.
Thanks to Revelle's time there, Scripps became one of the leading global hubs for oceanographic research.
Scripps's vision, as articulated by E.W. Scripps, stressed the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and the fusion of oceanography with other scientific areas.
As director, Revelle became an essential figure in the worldwide progress of marine science.
May 24, 1957
Finding Out How the Ocean Helps Absorb Carbon Dioxide
In 1957, the team of Revelle and Hans Suess released an essential paper concerning the absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean.
This discovery disputed earlier beliefs that the ocean can fully absorb human-generated CO2 without environmental impacts.
Revelle proved that the ocean's ability to absorb is not infinite, pointing out the possibility of atmospheric CO2 accumulation.
This study marked a critical time in climate science by associating human actions with global warming.
The results encouraged additional study into the contribution of fossil fuel emissions to climate change.
The groundwork for today's understanding of the greenhouse effect and global warming stems from Revelle's work.
The 1957 publication remains a crucial element of climate science, affecting environmental policy for decades.
Jul 26, 1958
Starting the International Geophysical Year (IGY)
Revelle was essential to founding the International Geophysical Year (IGY) 1958.
The IGY was an international scientific effort that united researchers from around the world to examine the Earth's geophysical processes.
Revelle's leadership in this project advanced research in oceanography, atmospheric science, and geology.
The IGY played an essential part in broadening knowledge about the polar regions, the ocean depths, and outer space.
It established a forum for global scientific partnership during a time of political discord, nurturing cooperative efforts for peace during the Cold War.
Revelle assisted in promoting data and method sharing among nations through IGY.
This project also prepared the ground for forthcoming global partnerships in environmental research, positioning Revelle as a leader in scientific diplomacy.