| Citation | Distinguished for his outstanding contribution to the understanding of the process of mountain building. Prior to plate tectonics, no adequate theory of mountain building existed. Dewey has been responsible, above all others, for showing how the intricate patterns of Phanerozoic collision-type mountain belt structure can be explained within the relatively simple plate tectonic framework. His syntheses have most concerned the Caledonian and Appalachian mountain ranges but are of general application. He has recently turned his attention to the Alpine belt. His contributions have also given important new insight into the evolution of continental margins, the geosyncline concept and the mechanism of emplacement of ophiolites. His analyses are based on extensive geological fieldwork backed up by an unusual breadth and depth of knowledge in the geological sciences. He has probably contributed more than any other geologist to the interpretation of the Phanerozoic continental geological record in terms of the plate tectonic theory. |