About Norman L. Bowen
Lived 1887 – 1956 (aged 69). Norman L. Bowen was a Canadian and American geologist and mineralogist, known for Bowen's reaction series.
Norman Levi Bowen FRS
Career Bowen conducted experimental research at the Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution for Science of Washington from 1912 to 1937. He published The Evolution of the Igneous Rocks in 1928. This book set the stage for a geochemical and geophysical foundation for the study of rocks and minerals.
Personal life Born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Bowen married Mary Lamont in 1911, and they had a daughter, Catherine.
Awards and honours Bowen was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1921, the American Philosophical Society in 1930, and the United States National Academy of Sciences in 1935. He was awarded the Penrose Medal of the Geological Society of America in 1941 and served as their president in 1945. He was elected a Foreign Member of the Royal Society (ForMemRS) in 1949.
The Norman L. Bowen Award, awarded annually by the American Geophysical Union, is named in his honour.
The astronauts of Apollo 17 named a small lunar crater after him.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Norman L. Bowen?
Canadian geologist (1887-1956)
When was Norman L. Bowen born?
Norman L. Bowen was born on 21 June 1887 in Kingston.
When did Norman L. Bowen die?
Norman L. Bowen died on 11 September 1956 in Washington, D.C..
What was Norman L. Bowen's occupation?
Norman L. Bowen was a geologist and mineralogist.
What was Norman L. Bowen known for?
Norman L. Bowen was known for Bowen's reaction series.
What nationality was Norman L. Bowen?
Norman L. Bowen was Canadian and American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Norman L. Bowen. https://biography.guide/norman-l-bowen/
MLA: "Norman L. Bowen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/norman-l-bowen/.
Chicago: "Norman L. Bowen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/norman-l-bowen/.
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