THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY QF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
HONOURS DR. HANS KUGLER
The Geological Society of Trinidad and Tobago recently presented a special award in absentia to Dr. Hans Kugler
at their sixth Annual Dinner and Award Function which was held at Texaco Staff Club, Pointe-a-Pierre on Saturday
15th October, 1983; Dr. Kugler, often referred to as 'the Father of Trinidad' Geology', was honoured by the Society
for his contribution to Trinidad Geology in particular and World Geology in general.
Born in Switzerland on August 22, 1893 Dr. Kugler. is still active today at age 90. He first came to Trinidad in
1913 where he assisted Dr. August Tobler on a mapping project in the Guayaguayare area for six months. The expedition
clinched his interest in geology as a career and he returned to the University of Basle where he obtained his PhD.
in Geology in 1920, the same year in which he returned to work in Trinidad for Trinidad Petroleum Development Company.
From 1925 to 1930, Dr. Kugler was Chief Geologist of the Central Mining and Investment Corporation in Venezuela
where he did extensive field mapping. He returned to Trinidad in 1931 and worked for Trinidad Leaseholds Limited,
and later Texas Oil Company (now Texaco Trinidad Inc.) until 1959, when he was retained as a geological adviser
and consultant. From 1959 he worked with the National History Museum in Switzerland. Since his retirement, he
has returned to Trinidad for a number of working visits and to attend conferences here and in Venezuela.
Dr. Kugler has come to be recognised as a well known authority in geological circles and even though new data are
acquired, and minor changes have been made, his work has withstood the test of' time. The great contribution that
he has made to Trinidad and Caribbean geology must always be recognised.
Some of the noteworthy things for which Hans Kugler is known are:-
1. Between 1920 - 1925: His field mapping led to the discovery of the Apex and Palo Seco oil fields. He was also
responsible for the down flank drilling of the Forest Reserve structure, one of Trinidad's biggest fields.
2. He was responsible for the introduction of electric logging by Schlumberger to Trinidad in 1930.
3. In 1939, he organised the first aerial photographic survey in Trinidad but was unable to enjoy the beauty of
3 dimensional view due to a slight visual impediment.
4. He was one of the pioneers in the "stratigraphic application of foraminifera" and was responsible
for employing some of the most outstanding micro-paleontologists like Renz, Bolli, Bronniman & Beckman at the
Geological Lab in Pointe-a-Pierre. Without his influence, planktonic foraminiferal stratigraphy might well have
advanced at a slower pace. The results of research at the Lab have been universally applied.
5. He coined the term "sedimentary volcanism", a term which he used to explain formation of sedimentary
dykes and mud volcanoes.
6; R. M. Stainforth writing in an article for the 4th Caribbean Geological Conference said "In a classic example
of shrewd observation and embracive interpretation, H. G. Kugler revolutionized the interpretation of the geology
of Trinidad by introducing the concept of extensive secondary deposition':
Kugler introduced the concepts of turbidites and submarine sliding and slumping to Trinidad geology, thus allowing
explanation of the geology without invoking complex tectonics.
7. In 1954-1955, Hans Kugler held office as Vice President of the Geological Society of America, an honour accorded
to few foreign geologists and an indication of high international esteem in which he is held.
The list could go on and on, each showing the dedication that Hans had to the geology of Trinidad. He has written
over 50 papers on geology since 1921 and was responsible for compiling the Geological Map of Trinidad (1:100,000
Scale) which now adorns the walls of many, many offices of geologists in Trinidad and the Caribbean. He is presently
working on a new book, "The Geology of Trinidad".
The Geological Society recognizes the invaluable contribution Dr. Hans Kugler has made, not only to understanding
the Geology of Trinidad, but also to the Nation in his role as an oil finder. There is no doubt that he is the
''Father of Trinidad Geology" and we are privileged to present this award to him for he is certainly one of
the giants, still working at age Ninety (90).
The award was received on his behalf by Mr. W. W. Carter, Assistant General Manager of Texaco Trinidad Inc. and
will be forwarded to Dr. Kugler in Switzerland.
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