The Legends of Meteorology series investigates the most famous historical figures in weather. I will go beyond a simple recount of the great work that helped them to achieve legend status by evaluating their status in several other ‘non-standard’ categories. Along the way you will likely learn some new things about each person.
As you peruse the categories, click on them for more information about what they are and how legends are evaluated. The numerical ratings are from 0 to 99 (elite). Previous legends are linked below.
| Legend | Overall Rating |
| Ben Franklin | 92 |
| Ted Fujita | 96 |
Today’s legend is Vilhelm Bjerknes.
Scipio Africanus (Name Coolness) 88
‘Bjerknes’ (BYURK-nis, or BYERK-nes) is a very rare name that only about 1,200 people currently have worldwide. Part of the reason may be its meaning, which originates from a combination of two Old Norse words: ‘Bjork’ (birch tree) and ‘nes’ (headland). Kind of nonsensical when you put them together; I don’t know any Americans walking around with the last name ‘Birchheadland’. Nevertheless, the name itself is kind of exotic and sounds cool when said out loud.
Contributions 99
Basically, the GOAT of modern meteorology. Believed that the atmosphere could be accurately predicted by establishing an initial state and applying physical equations – about 50 years before computers finally allowed weather models to verify his theory. Realizing the importance of accurate weather observations for forecasting, Bjerknes devoted a lot of energy to expanding surface and upper-air networks across northern Europe. He developed the foundational ‘primitive equations’ of meteorology/climatology that remain at the core of all modern numerical weather prediction. Vilhelm inspired countless others, including his son Jacob who would go on to become a legendary meteorologist in his own right. During World War I, he founded the Bergen School of Meteorology with his son, Tor Bergeron, Halvor Solberg and others. The Bergen School was not a physical place but a nexus of innovative thought. Their work used mathematics to describe atmospheric motion, including pioneering work in mid-latitude cyclone life cycle and structure that is still taught in schools today.
Youth Potential 93
Vilhelm’s father was a mathematics professor who studied fluid dynamics. While Vilhelm’s childhood friends were learning to ski and spending time outdoors, he was busy assisting his father by constructing instruments and experiments to validate theoretical concepts of fluid mechanics. Vilhelm continued working with his father into his 20s before moving on to his own pursuits in the areas of electrical currents and magnetism. For comparison, my teenage years included batting .288 on the JV Baseball team, playing 3rd part Clarinet in the symphonic band, and earning a C+ in Intro to Chemistry. Pretty similar.
Athleticism 70
The legend is Norwegian youth learn to ski before they walk and Bjerknes was no exception. It seems to have become very clear early on, however, that he was not destined to win the Olympic Biathlon or ski jump gold medals at the Olympic games. Very little is written about Vilhelm outside of his professional work. Pictures reveal a slight frame, usually wearing spectacles. There is nothing written of his height or propensity to hit or catch a ball.
Online Dating Profile 86
There are some great traits here that would be of interest to potential mates. Bergeron describes Bjerknes as having a ‘fine sense of humor’. He was a loyal colleague and human in general, freely giving credit to his counterparts and working tirelessly in his later years to finish the research that his father was hesitant to publish during his life. Bjerknes was obviously a hard worker; maybe too much of a workaholic to have time for a dating life.
Intelligence runs in his family. His father was a well-respected mathematician and his son Jacob would be become a brilliant scientist. He has craters on the Moon and Mars named after him! That’s not something I have in my dating arsenal. Bjerknes was also known as somewhat shy, which may limit his potential pool of dating opportunities.
Rate My Professor 85
One area that Bjerknes fell short in loyalty was his employers. He was a career academic that jumped around a bit, from the University of Stockholm (1895), to Leipzig (1912), and then on to the University of Oslo later in his career (1926-1932). All along the way though he taught a number of different courses ranging from fluid dynamics to thermodynamics. Contemporaries noted that Bjerknes put effort into his teaching practices and was generally well-liked.
As he was primarily a theoretician, I suspect that normal students may have struggled a bit in his classes. Bjerknes relied much on his students and colleagues at the Bergen School for practical exercises such as data collection and analysis on maps. Nevertheless, I would definitely have taken classes from him if I had the chance – especially knowing how his work would transform an entire physical discipline.
Hobbies 60
Bjerknes was a prolific writer – but it seems only for work. He traveled extensively – only for work as far as I can tell. I’m not sure if he ever took a vacation. As a youngster he built instruments while working with his father. Bjerknes did ski, but I wasn’t able to find how much and if he only did it while working. Like many Legends of Meteorology, it didn’t seem like Vilhelm set aside much time for anything other than solving the mysteries of the atmosphere. He did have two kids though, so I suppose that took a little time…
Survivor 84
Bjerknes may have done well on Survivor, as long as he was matched with a Tribe of more athletic people. If he were teamed with Fujita, I don’t think it would’ve gone too well. Bjerknes would have been the mastermind of the tribe, a well-respected visionary who would use his mind to solve challenges. As with the Bergen school, he would have enlisted his students/junior tribe members for reconnaissance and the practical tasks. He’d be the big picture leader.
Beard 0
When I began this series I had the mistaken belief that most Legends had facial hair. Like Franklin and Fujita before him, Bjerknes was clean shaven throughout his life. I might need a replacement category…
Beer Buddy 78
I’m not sure Bjerknes would be found in a bar. You would think growing up in cold, dark Norway (at least in the wintertime) would encourage their citizens to seek solace in the warm, glowing drinking establishments. But there is no evidence to be found if Vilhelm partook in spirits or beer. As for conversation, I think meteorologists would have found it fascinating. I mean, we could talk about wave cyclone theory for a bit. Also, he had been all over the world and probably had a few good stories about his travels. But after a couple of hours the dearth of common interests would make conversation difficult. I only know so much about fjords.
Overall 94
Unsurpassed in his contributions to meteorology and by all accounts a fine human being and colleague. Like many legends, he didn’t pursue the most balanced life of work and play. Perhaps that is required to achieve the greatest heights of scientific accomplishment?
Sources:
E Gold, Vilhelm Friman Koren Bjerknes, Obituary Notices of Fellows of the Royal Society of London 7 (1950-51), 303-317.
Diagram on feature image: Bjerknes, V., 1921: On the dynamics of the circular vortex with applications to the atmosphere and atmospheric vortex and wave motions. Volume 2, Issue 4 of Geofysiske publikasjoner, ISSN 0072-1174.
NASA (https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/vilhelm-bjerknes/ )
MacTutor: https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Bjerknes_Vilhelm/
Next Legend: Lewis Fry Richardson
Dr. Chris Hennon is the Founder and Lead Consultant for Hennon Weather Services LLC. He is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist and former Professor of Atmospheric Science with expertise in Tropical Meteorology and Weather Forecasting.
