From physics to geosciences
Morgan received a Princeton physics doctorate under Robert Dicke in 1964, then moved into geoscience research and joined the faculty in 1966. His physics training informed his study of Earth dynamics.
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A global plate model
In a 1967 conference presentation, he described Earth’s surface as rigid plates that could separate, collide or slide past one another. Their relative motions brought ridges, trenches and major faults into a common framework.
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Hotspots and mantle plumes
His 1971 mantle-plume hypothesis linked some hotspots and island chains to hot material rising from deep within Earth. It stimulated continuing research into connections between surface volcanism and the mantle, including the sources and movement of such upwellings.
References: [1]