11 November 2015
Ocean exploration brings research honour
The scientific contribution of Professor Lionel Carter from Victoria University of Wellington’s Antarctic Research
Centre has been recognised with the presentation of the 2015 Hutton Medal.
Awarded annually by the Royal Society of New Zealand, the medal recognises outstanding research in earth, plant and
animal sciences.
Professor Carter investigates geological and oceanic processes, which includes deciphering marine geological records to
assess changes in ocean environments. His work has demonstrated the roles of plate tectonics, ocean currents, sea levels
and climate change in shaping New Zealand’s submarine continental landmass.
Lionel4Of particular note, Professor Carter identified the mechanisms whereby sediment from New Zealand rivers is
discharged into the ocean and transported up to 4,500 kilometres, to be dragged into converging tectonic plates and
ultimately recycled to the surface via volcanic activity.
He has contributed to identifying indicators in sediment to measure environmental change, as well as scientific models
to predict environmental responses to climate warming.
Recent work includes participation in ANDRILL: a drilling programme in Antarctica to identify the effect of a changing
Ross Ice Shelf on ocean circulation and water mass.
His research has had direct commercial application through a range of marine engineering projects. One example is
Professor Carter’s involvement with the International Cable Protection Committee to better protect the global
fibre-optic cable network from marine hazards. The network is responsible for around 95 per cent of all international
internet and communications traffic.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Hutton Medal for 2015,” says Professor Carter. “But it is an honour to be shared.
Research into environmental change is a team effort involving experts in geology, oceanography, climatology and computer
modelling, to name but a few.
“I have been fortunate to have been part of such teams, the latest being the highly talented group from the Antarctic
Research Centre of Victoria University.”
The Hutton Medal adds to Professor Carter’s other honours, including being made a Fellow of the Royal Society of New
Zealand in 2003 and receiving the Marsden Medal for outstanding service to Science in 2012.
ends