Summary
The American Geophysical Union (AGU) has awarded the 2025 Walter H. Bucher Medal to Richard G. Gordon, Professor of Geophysics at Rice University, in recognition of his pioneering research into the dynamics of Earth’s crust and lithosphere. Over a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades, Gordon has transformed the geosciences through groundbreaking work in plate tectonics, paleomagnetism, and geodynamics. He is best known for leading the development of global plate motion models—NUVEL and MORVEL—which remain foundational tools for reconstructing tectonic motions. His research has also advanced our understanding of diffuse plate boundaries, intraplate deformation, and true polar wander. By combining marine magnetic anomaly data with innovative paleomagnetic techniques, Gordon has enabled precise reconstructions of past plate positions, particularly for the Pacific Plate. His insights continue to shape how scientists view the Earth’s surface dynamics and its long-term evolution. The Bucher Medal honors original contributions to the study of the Earth’s crust and lithosphere, and Gordon’s selection places him among the most influential geophysicists of our time.