Donald W. Forsyth

Seismologist and marine geophysicist who researches fundamental physical processes of plate tectonics based on observations and theoretical interpretations of the seismic velocity structure of the Earth. First to identify driving forces for plate motion. Publications explore the relative importance of the driving forces of plate motion (1975), the anisotropic structure of the upper mantle in the Pacific (1989), and the deep seismic structure beneath a mid-ocean ridge (1998). Chair, NSF MARGINS Five-year Review Panel (2004). Associate Editor, Journal of Geophysical Research (2000-present).