Organised by:
Hydrogeological Group
Venue:
The Geological Society, Burlington House
Event status:
EVENT CLOSED
Due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been cancelled
Richard Allen (‘Dick’) Downing, who died in 2013, was a geological polymath who worked for most of career as a hydrogeologist, making contributions on almost every aspect of the science.
In this meeting five eminent hydrogeologists will each describe the latest progress made on one major hydrogeological topic to which Dick had made significant contribution.
Dick also compiled the popular book ‘Groundwater: Our Hidden Asset’ on behalf of the UK Groundwater Forum, who will be using this event to release an updated version which, like the original, draws on the expertise of leading contributors from all sections of the UK groundwater community.
About Dick Downing
For most of his career Dick worked as a hydrogeologist, making contributions on almost every aspect of the science, including regional studies, baseflow analysis, river augmentation schemes, studies of specific aquifers, isotope hydrogeology, deep groundwater chemistry, and development of national water plans in England and Wales and in Saudi Arabia. In 1979 he returned to BGS as Manager of its UK Geothermal Programme. He formally retired in 1988 but continued working for many more years, consulting, advising, writing and editing books and journals and examining MSc and PhD students.
Dick was awarded a DSc in Geology by Durham University in 1977, received the Whitaker Medal from the Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists in 1980, was chosen to give the first Ineson Lecture and in 1989 received the Society’s William Smith Medal – its highest award for applied geology.
The diversity of talks and opportunities for discussion mean this should be an inspiring meeting and a worthy tribute to Dick Downing