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Clarence Edward Dutton

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Clarence Edward Dutton (1841–1912) was an American geologist and U.S. Army officer who served with the United States Geological Survey in the American West. He coined the term 'isostasy' to describe the gravitational equilibrium of Earth's crust and produced foundational studies of the geology of the Grand Canyon and the high plateaus of Utah and Arizona. His major monograph, the Tertiary History of the Grand Cañon District (1882), remains an influential work in geomorphology and was published with illustrations by Thomas Moran and William Henry Holmes.

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Who coined the term "isostasy" in geology?

The term "isostasy," which describes the gravitational equilibrium of the Earth's crust, was coined by the American geologist Clarence Edward Dutton. He introduced the concept in the late 19th century to explain how the Earth's crust floats on the denser mantle beneath it.

Was Clarence Dutton a military officer?

Yes, Clarence Edward Dutton was a commissioned officer in the United States Army who served during the American Civil War. He spent much of his military career detached to work as a geologist with the United States Geological Survey in the American West.

What geological studies is Clarence Dutton famous for?

Dutton produced foundational studies of the geology of the Grand Canyon and the Cascade Range. His detailed mapping and vivid written descriptions of the Western landscapes helped popularize geological science in the United States.

What is Clarence Dutton's legacy in volcanology?

Aside from coining isostasy, Clarence Dutton made significant early contributions to the study of volcanoes. He conducted a massive, detailed study of the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera in New Zealand, vastly improving the contemporary understanding of volcanic rift zones.

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