2010 Provincial Geologists Medal Recipient

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Mark Fenton has received the prestigious Provincial Geologists Medal to recognize his major contributions in geoscience. This is the first time this award has been given to an Alberta geologist.

Award Citation

Dr. Mark Fenton of the Alberta Geological Survey has served the people of Alberta for over 35 years. His specialty is Quaternary geology, the study of the sediments and landforms formed by the advance and retreat of the ice age glaciers.

With many maps and reports to his credit, Dr. Fenton exemplifies the successful survey geologist. In this regard, Dr. Fenton is worthy of joining his peers as a winner of the Committee of Provincial and Territorial Geologists Medal.

But the impact of Dr. Fenton's career goes beyond those who know him, work with him, or have been taught and mentored by him. When a water-well driller consults a map for buried aquifers in northern Alberta, Dr. Fenton's work is on the table. When a diamond prospector looks for ice-flow directions to track the origin of indicator minerals, Dr. Fenton’s maps are the first place he looks. When an oilsand or coal company evaluates the landscape for mine-pit reclamation, Dr. Fenton's work on Alberta stratigraphy and landforms are essential reading. These are just some of the ways that Dr. Fenton's work ripples across Alberta's economy.

For this level of contribution, Dr. Fenton is truly a worthy recipient of this honour.

Selection Criteria

The Provincial Geologists Medal is awarded to recognize major contributions in the area of geoscientific research and related developments or applications meet the mandate of Canada’s provincial and territorial geological surveys. Each geological survey may nominate a candidate each year. An external national selection committee representing industry, academia and the Geological Survey of Canada chooses the recipient from the pool of nominees.

Last modified: June 28, 2010