Jay Quade
University of Arizona

2018 Arthur L. Day Medal

Presented to Jay Quade

Citation by Jason Rech

It is with great pleasure that I introduce Dr. Jay Quade as the 2018 recipient of the Arthur L. Day Medal. Over the past three decades, Jay has pioneered new isotopic methods to address major questions in tectonics, global climate change, and evolution. He has set the standard for calibrating geochemical systems in the natural environment; seeking out that ideal outcrop, even if it means leading, or sometimes dragging, colleagues and students along. Jay has calibrated the stable isotope systematics of soil carbonate with Thure Cerling in the Great Basin, and trekked the Himalayas to quantify chemical weathering using strontium isotopes and estimate paleoaltimetry using oxygen isotopes with Carmie Garzione. Jay, affectionately known as Adu Afar, or White Afar by the Afar for his ability to hike all day with little water, has mapped the badlands of the Afar to work out the geochronology and paleoenvironment of the early hominin fossil record with Naomi Levin. He has calibrated cosmogenic production of 14C with Nat Lifton, taken the clumped isotope paleothermometer out of the laboratory and into soil pits with John Eiler and Ben Passey, and explored the realm of low-level radiocarbon with Jeff Pigati. He has improved so many geochemical methods and techniques that it is impossible for me to cover them in this short introduction. I can attest that the elegance of these geochemical data sets has inspired countless students and colleagues, and has helped unravel many secrets of the geologic world.

2018 Day Medal — Response by Jay Quade

This kind of award only happens because of supportive colleagues, many great students over the years, and most especially in my case, my amazing (and long-suffering!) wife, Barbra. She is here at the meeting and so much of credit goes to her, for her support and patience. We have been a team effort. My sincere thanks to everyone for this huge honor.