RECONSTRUCTING GEOMORPHOLOGY: AN APPRECIATION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF J. ROSS MACKAY (1915-2014)

Michael Church

In the proceedings of: GeoQuébec 2015: 68th Canadian Geotechnical Conference & 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference

Session: John Ross MacKay Symposium - Permafrost I / Symposium John Ross MacKay - Pergélisol I

ABSTRACT: Based as they are entirely on his own field experiences, Ross Mackay™s geomorphological contributions are commonly regarded as the fruit of solo inspiration. In fact, his work is decidedly the product of its time. At the outset of his career, geomorphology was entering a radical transformation from interpretive study of landscape history toward quantitative study of landscape-forming processes. Accordingly, Mackay™s earliest works are accounts of regional geography. From 1960, however, his work, following the new perspective, expresses its dominant character: quantitative measurement in the field and on maps, and application of physical theory for interpreting the observations. By 1965 his mature style was firmly established. The outstanding aspects of Mackay™s contributions are his genius for making critical field observations and his ability to use them to test geophysical theory. But his early regard for landscape history remained an important aspect of his insight throughout his career.

RÉSUMÉ: Fondées sur des travaux originaux sur le terrain, les contributions de Ross Mackay en géomorphologie sont généralement considérées comme le fruit d™une inspiration unique. Néanmoins, son parcours scientifique reflète aussi l™évolution de la discipline durant l™après-guerre. Rappelons-nous qu™au début de sa carrière, la géomorphologie entrait tout juste dans une transformation radicale qui substituera aux études interprétatives portant sur l™histoire des paysages, des investigations quantitatives des processus de formation des paysages. D™ailleurs, les premières publications de Mackay dans les années 50 sont des comptes rendus de géographie régionale reflétant les paradigmes de l™époque. Néanmoins, dès 1960, ses travaux s™engagent dans la nouvelle perspective qui dominera le reste de son œuvre : celle-ci est fondée sur les mesures quantitatives sur le terrain et sur les cartes, et l™application des théories physiques dans l™interprétation des observations. Dès 1965, ce « style Mackay » était déjà bien établi. Les aspects marquants des contributions de Mackay sont son aptitude à obtenir des observations critiques sur le terrain, puis à les employer pour mettre à l™épreuve des théories géophysiques. Son intérêt initial pour l™histoire des paysages demeurera aussi un aspect important de sa vision de la géomorphologie durant toute sa carrière.

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Cite this article:
Michael Church (2015) RECONSTRUCTING GEOMORPHOLOGY: AN APPRECIATION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF J. ROSS MACKAY (1915-2014) in GEO2015. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{258,author = Michael Church,title = RECONSTRUCTING GEOMORPHOLOGY: AN APPRECIATION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF J. ROSS MACKAY (1915-2014),year = 2015}