Laurentian geology profs honoured

A trio of Laurentian University geology professors has been honoured with medals recognizing their contributions to science.

Dr. Harold Gibson, director of MERC and professor of volcanology and economic geology, has received the 2011 Duncan R. Derry Medal from the Geological Association of Canada.

Gibson is recognized for his contributions to research and to the understanding of volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) ore deposits and ores in volcanic environments. VMS are sources of copper, zinc, gold and silver and are formed by hydrothermal springs on the sea floor.

Dr. Darrel Long, the master's of science program coordinator at the department of earth sciences and professor of sedimentology, has received the 2011 R.J.W. Douglas Medal from the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists.

The medal is awarded for “outstanding contributions to the understanding of sedimentary geology in Canada” and commends “major contributions to regional tectonics, petroleum and structural geology.”

Long studies fluvial sandstones and the prehistoric function of river systems before the onset of rooted vegetation, which includes the relationship between ancient waterways and mineral potential.

Dr. Daniel Kontak, chair of the department of earth sciences and professor of economic geology, has received the 2011 Peacock Medal by the Mineralogical Association of Canada.

The award goes to a scientist “who has made outstanding contributions to the mineral sciences in Canada,” according to the association, and is open to nominees from every country in the world.

Kontak was also awarded the Gesner Medal by the Atlantic Geoscience Society for the advancement and promotion of geoscience.

“Their collective recognition adds lustre to the reputation of our earth sciences and geology studies here at Laurentian,” university president Dominic Giroux said in a news release. “We are very proud of the achievements of all the 'rock stars' among our faculty!”