Marie Morisawa, PhD, was a pioneer in quantitative geomorphology. She earned her PhD from Columbia University in 1960, where she studied under renowned geographer Arthur Strahler. Geomorphology, the study of the processes that shape landscapes over time, was rapidly progressing at this time, transforming from a purely descriptive geography into a mathematical and data-driven science. Morisawa helped establish the SUNY Binghamton Geomorphology Symposia, an annual international meeting, and founded the journal Geomorphology, serving as its first editor. In 1978, she became the first woman to chair the Geological Society of America’s Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division. Throughout her career, Morisawa was a dedicated mentor who encouraged generations of young scientists. In 2006, the Geological Society of America established the Marie Morisawa Award, recognizing outstanding women graduate students pursuing careers in geomorphology.
