George W. Platzman
American meteorologist (1920–2008)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
George William Platzman (April 19, 1920 – August 2, 2008) was an American meteorologist, known for his contributions to the study of geophysical fluid dynamics.[1] He is recognized as a pioneer in the field of storm-surge forecasting.[2]
George W. Platzman | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 19, 1920 |
| Died | August 2, 2008 (aged 88) Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Alma mater | University of Chicago |
| Spouse |
Harriet M. Herschberger
(m. 1945; died 1985) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Meteorology Geophysical fluid dynamics |
| Doctoral students | Norman A. Phillips Ferdinand Baer |
Biography
Platzman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 19, 1920. He studied mathematics and physics at the University of Chicago, and graduated in 1940.[3] In 1941, he received his master's degree from the University of Arizona[3] and then returned to the University of Chicago, where he taught meteorology to Air Corps cadets during World War II while simultaneously working on his Ph.D.[3] He completed his Ph.D. in 1947.[3] Platzman taught at the University of Chicago for nearly his entire career and was instrumental in advocating for the use of computers to analyze meteorological data.[3]
Platzman died on August 2, 2008, of heart failure.[3]
