American marine geologist (1934–2024)
Orrin Hendren Pilkey Jr. (September 19, 1934 – December 13, 2024) was an American marine geologist who was Professor Emeritus of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, at Duke University, and founder and director emeritus of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines (PSDS) based at Western Carolina University.
Life and career.
Orrin Hendren Pilkey Jr. was born in New York City on September 19, 1934. He received his B.S. degree in geology at Washington State College, his M.S. degree in geology at the University of Montana and his Ph.D. degree in geology at Florida State University. Between 1962 and 1965, he was a research professor at the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island. He has been at Duke University since 1965, with one year breaks with the Department of Marine Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and with the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Pilkey began his career with the study of abyssal plains on the deep sea floor. As a result of the destruction of his parents' house in Waveland, Mississippi in Hurricane Camille (1969), he switched to the study of coasts. Pilkey's research centers on both basic and applied coastal geology, focusing primarily on barrier island coasts and the effects of shoreline stabilization and development, and sea level rise. The PSDS has analyzed the numerical models used by coastal geologists and engineers to predict the movement of beach sand, especially in beach replenishment. In general, Pilkey argues that mathematical models cannot be used to accurately predict the behavior of beaches, although they can be useful if directional or orders-of-magnitude answers are sought. In the book, "Useless Arithmetic", written with his daughter, Linda Pilkey-Jarvis, they argue that the outcome of natural processes in general cannot be accurately predicted by mathematical models. "The Rising Sea", written with Rob Young, current director of PSDS, focuses on the global threat from sea level rise. "The Last Beach" sounds the alarm that recreation on many of the world's beaches is going to be a thing of the past. It explains that "the future of the world's beaches hangs in the balance, from big threats such as engineering, mining, and pollution, to activities that seem harmless, like driving on beaches." In many places, pollution is in the beach sand as well as in the water. "Retreat from a Rising Sea", written with daughter, Linda, and son, Keith, highlights the need for moving back from the coast, a process that is already beginning in some parts of the world, such as Arctic barrier islands, atolls, and river deltas. The authors think that New Orleans and Miami, among other cities, are doomed. His most recent book, "Lessons from the Sand", offers easy experiments for kids (and adults)to do while learning about beach processes. Orrin co-wrote this colorful book which is completely illustrated by his son and co-author, Charles Pilkey, an artist/sculptor.
Pilkey received numerous awards, among them the Francis Parker Shepard medal for excellence in marine geology in 1987, and in 2003, the Priestley Award, for distinguished research in coastal geology and public service in policy formulation and education about America's coastal resources, presented by Dickinson College, Pennsylvania. In 1990, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation in cooperation with theNational Wildlife Federation, presenting Pilkey the Governor's Award, for Conservation Educator of the Year. Several others include: 1992, George V. Cohee Public Service Award, Eastern Section, AAPG, in recognition of the many accomplishments and untiring efforts in research and public education concerning the processes and geologic hazards in coastal zones, from The American Association of Petroleum Geologists; 1993, James H. Shea Award, for exceptional contributions in the form of writing and/or editing of Earth Science materials, from the National Association of Geology Teachers; 1993, American Geological Institute Award, for outstanding contributions to the public understanding of geology, for developing the 20-volume book series, Living with the Shore (with William Neal); and in 2001, he received the Honorary Doctor of Science Degree, University of the South (Sewanee), Sewanee, Tennessee. In 2012, Duke University honored Pilkey by naming a new research building for him at the Duke Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, North Carolina.
Pilkey has published more than 250 technical publications and 45 books and has appeared in several documentary films (see below).
Pilkey died at his home in Durham, North Carolina, on December 13, 2024, at the age of 90.
Publications.
Books.
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Selected articles.
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Documentaries and videos.
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References.
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