Born: 1888 (Østerbro, Copenhagen)
Biography:
Inge Lehmann ForMemRS was a Danish seismologist and geophysicist who made groundbreaking discoveries about the structure of the Earth. Born on May 13, 1888, in Østerbro, a part of Copenhagen, Lehmann grew up in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. Her father, Alfred Georg Ludvik Lehmann, was an experimental psychologist, and her mother, Ida Sophie Tørsleff, was a housewife. Lehmann’s curiosity and passion for knowledge were nurtured from a young age, thanks to the influences of her father and Hanna Adler, the headmistress of her progressive high school.
Lehmann’s academic journey began at Copenhagen University in 1907, where she studied mathematics, chemistry, and physics. However, her studies were interrupted by frequent bouts of poor health. Despite these setbacks, Lehmann persevered and continued her studies at the University of Cambridge from 1910 to 1911, focusing on mathematics at Newnham College. However, exhaustion forced her to take a break from academia upon her return to Denmark.
During this hiatus, Lehmann honed her computational skills while working at an actuary office. However, her passion for science never waned, and she returned to Copenhagen University in 1918 to complete her studies. In 1920, she graduated with a candidata magisterii degree in physical science and mathematics.
Upon returning to Denmark in 1923, Lehmann accepted a position as an assistant to J.F. Steffensen, the professor of actuarial science at Copenhagen University. However, it was in 1925 that Lehmann’s career in seismology truly began. She became an assistant to the geodesist Niels Erik Nørlund, and this collaboration marked the start of her groundbreaking discoveries.
In 1936, Lehmann made a groundbreaking breakthrough that revolutionized our understanding of the Earth’s structure. Through careful analysis of seismic wave measurements, she discovered that the Earth has a solid inner core within a molten outer core. Prior to Lehmann’s discovery, seismologists believed the Earth’s core to be a single molten sphere, unable to account for the observational data. However, Lehmann’s analysis provided an elegant explanation that reconciled the measurements with the existence of both a solid and molten core. Her discovery was met with enthusiasm and acceptance by the scientific community, forever changing our understanding of the Earth’s interior.
Lehmann’s contributions to seismology extended beyond her groundbreaking discovery. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to the field, including pioneering research on the Earth’s structure and the study of seismic activity. Her meticulous work and analytical skills continue to serve as the foundation for modern seismology.
In addition to her scientific achievements, Lehmann’s incredible longevity further distinguishes her. She became one of the longest-lived scientists, reaching over 104 years of age. Her commitment to her work and passion for understanding the Earth’s mysteries undoubtedly contributed to her remarkable longevity.
Inge Lehmann’s role in women’s history cannot be understated. In a field dominated by men, she blazed a trail for future generations of women in science. Her groundbreaking discoveries and brilliant analytical skills shattered gender stereotypes and showcased the immense contributions that women can make to the field of geophysics and beyond.
Awards:
– Lehmann received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions throughout her career. Her most notable achievement was becoming a Foreign Member of the Royal Society of London in 1964, a tremendous honor and a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field of seismology.