1892-1973

American chemist and geophysicist best known for developing a coring technique (1936) for sampling material from the ocean floors, providing the first reliable dates for sediments and sedimentary rates. His work on determining the mass spectrum for lead played a significant role in unraveling the mysteries of radioactive decay and initiating the science of geochronology. Piggot was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his mine disposal work during World War II.