Alexander McKay (geologist)

Alexander McKay (11 April 1841 – 8 July 1917) was a Scottish-born New Zealand geologist and palaeontologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of New Zealand's geological structure and fossil record.

Born in Carsaig, Isle of Mull, Scotland, McKay emigrated to New Zealand in 1863. He initially worked as a miner before joining the Geological Survey of New Zealand in 1873 under James Hector. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his keen observational skills and dedication to fieldwork.

McKay's work involved extensive surveying throughout New Zealand, often in remote and challenging terrain. He was instrumental in mapping the geological formations of numerous regions, including the East Coast of the North Island, Nelson, Marlborough, and Canterbury. His detailed observations and meticulous collection of fossils provided crucial evidence for understanding the complex tectonic history of New Zealand. He played a key role in interpreting the geological effects of earthquakes, including the 1888 North Canterbury earthquake and the 1904 Cheviot earthquake.

McKay was a prolific writer and published numerous reports, papers, and maps documenting his findings. These publications remain valuable resources for geological research in New Zealand. He was known for his practical approach to geology and his ability to connect geological processes to the natural environment.

He was awarded the Hector Memorial Medal in 1908 for his scientific work. McKay retired from the Geological Survey in 1914 and died in Wellington in 1917. His legacy continues through his extensive collection of geological samples and his published works, which have significantly advanced our knowledge of New Zealand's geological history.