Stanley V. Margolis, oceanographer, geologist, geoarchaelogist and professor at the University of California, Davis, died on Saturday, Nov. 7, 1992, after a four-month battle with cancer. He was 49 years old. During his distinguished career, Margolis established an international reputation as an innovative and enthusiastic researcher and university teacher. He was known among earth scientists for his analysis of global paleoceanographic and climatic changes and his pioneering work on lunar dust and tektites. In recent years he had been a prominent member of a consortium of geoscientists studying the effects of extraterrestrial impact throughout earth history. In conjunction with his colleagues from UC Davis and UC Berkeley, Margolis made major advances in the understanding of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary impact event that led to the abrupt demise of dinosaurs and other terrestrial and marine fauna approximately 65 million years ago. His work on the composition and age of tektite glass from the Gulf of Mexico region ultimately helped identify the Chixculub crater as the long-sought Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary impact site. In addition to his contributions to the various fields of geology, Margolis developed creative new approaches to evaluating the authenticity of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. Working with museums and art collectors worldwide, Margolis pioneered the use of sophisticated analytical techniques in the documentation of the age and origin of ancient statuary. Born in New York City on July 15, 1943, Margolis received his bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Miami in Florida. He received his master's degree in geology from Florida State University and his doctoral degree in geology and oceanography from the University of California, Riverside. Margolis joined the oceanography program at the University of Hawaii in 1971 as an assistant professor. During his 12 years in Hawaii he helped build one of the premier oceanography programs in the country, eventually serving as its chair from 1979 to 1981. In addition, in 1982 he was appointed the director of the oceanography division of the Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity in Washington, D.C. He joined the UC Davis geology department as a professor in 1983. During his career at UC Davis, Margolis contributed his expertise to numerous academic and administrative committees including his most recent service as faculty chair in the College of Letters and Science. Margolis is survived by his wife of 26 years, Karen, and their two children, Amy and David. Memorial services were held at the Jewish Fellowship of Davis on Monday, Nov. 9. A memorial fund to support students at UC Davis is being established in his memory. The Stanley V. Margolis Fund, created at the request of Margolis' family, will be administered by the UC Davis geology department in support of student research projects. Checks made payable to the Regents of the University of California can be sent directly to the geology department, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616.