The contribution of Stanisław Dżułyński to flysch sedimentology: A ‘Western’ perspective

Abstract

In his ground-breaking research on the sedimentary structures of turbidites, Stanisław Dżułyński demonstrated and took to new levels of accomplishment the defining attributes of the Kraków School of flysch sedimentology established by Marian Książkiewicz at the Jagiellonian University. These attributes included a meticulous approach to fieldwork, the ability to recognize the scalar and vector relationships of diverse sedi- mentary features, a working knowledge of several languages, a capacity to describe systematically structures that had previously received scant attention in the world literature of geology, and innovation in the transfer of scientific knowledge. Dżułyński also added elements that were distinctively his own: a highly inventive approach to the replication of turbidite sedimentary structures in laboratory flumes, an openness to new ideas, boundless enthusiasm for his chosen field, and an exuberantly outgoing personality. In spite of worldwide recognition for his numerous and wide-ranging achievements in geology, he viewed himself first and foremost as one of the senior students of Marian Książkiewicz. In this role, Dżułyński utilised every opportunity to present with great insight and objectivity the work of the Kraków School, enthusiastically shared his extensive knowledge of sedimentology with experienced colleagues and new acquaintances alike and, in particular, gave generous encouragement to young researchers.