Fossil Ice Crystals: an Instance of the Practical Value of "Pure Science"

Johan August Udden (1859-1932), a pioneering Swedish-American geologist, made significant contributions to the field of Earth Sciences with a special focus on sedimentology. Born in Sweden, Udden emigrated to the United States in 1888 where he continued his education and research. He served as a professor at Augustana College and later at the University of Texas. Udden is best known for his work on the origins and nature of loess, a sedimentary deposit, and for advocating an aeolian origin, which was a revolutionary idea at that time. Another notable work by Udden is 'Fossil Ice Crystals: An Instance of the Practical Value of "Pure Science"' (Udden, 1914), in which he demonstrated a meticulous and detailed scientific approach to the study of paleoclimatology. Udden's legacy in geology is marked by his emphasis on the importance of basic science for practical applications, a sentiment keenly expressed in the referenced book. His scholarly approach was characterized by methodical observation, careful categorization of sediments, and a humble appreciation for the broader implications of geologic phenomena. Udden's distinctive contributions have been recognized by the geological community, and he is remembered for his clear and systematic approach to the study of geological processes.