Thomas B. Nolan
U.S. Geological Survey
May 21, 1901 - August 2, 1992
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Scientific Discipline: Geology Membership Type:
Emeritus
(elected 1951)
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Thomas Nolan served the U.S. Geological Survey for sixty-eight years and in that time shed light on the geology of the American Southwest. He conducted research on the geologic history and ore deposits of the Great Basin. His work proved to be a useful guide in the search for mineral deposits and aroused a vast interest in the formation of the western American landscape. He served as the Survey’s tungsten specialist during World War II, ensuring that the nation’s increased need for tungsten was met. He also observed the effects of underground nuclear explosions in Nevada.
Nolan attended Yale University, where he earned his PhB degree in metallurgy in 1921 and his doctorate in geology in 1924. He began working at the U.S. Geological Survey in 1924 as a junior geologist and retired as director in 1965, but continued to work as a mineral resources researcher until his death in 1992. The Geological Society of America appointed him president, and he served as vice president of the International Union of Geological Sciences.
