Emil Chistoforovich Lenz, whose fundamental contribution to electrodynamics and Russian geography, was born on February 24, 1804 in the town of Dorpat (which is now Estonian Tartu, and long ago the town belonged to ancient Rus’ and was called Yuriev).
In 1820 Emil Lenz graduated from the gymnasium and entered the University of Dorpat. Lenz’s independent scientific activity started in 1823, when he joined a round-the-world expedition on the “Predpriyatie” sloop as a physicist, recommended by university professors. Fast thought of young scientists resulted in development of unique equipment for deep oceanographic observations – a depth indicator hoist and water sampler. During the trip Lenz performed oceanographic, meteorological and geophysical observations in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. In 1827 the scientist summarized his data and reported them to the Academy of Sciences in 1828. This enormous work brought him a title of associate professor of Academy of Sciences. In 1829 and 1830 Emil Lenz perform geophysical research in Russian south – the scientists took part in the first ever climb of Mount Elbrus and measured its height by means of barometric method. Later Lenz used the same technique for discovering that Caspian sea level was lower than Black sea level. Same year the researcher performed gravitational and magnetic measurements and, after returning to Saint Petersburg, reported the results in 1832 and 1836.
Lenz’s law
In 1842 Lenz discovered the law, expressing the relationship between the heat generated by the current flowing through a conductor, which was independently discovered by James Joule, thus named “the Joule-Lenz law”. Lenz developed calculation technique for electric magnets and found “armature reaction” in electric machines.The scientist also studied relationship between metallic resistance and temperature. Emil Lenz did a lot for Russian geography – he was among first seven members of the Board of Russian Geographic Society, established in 1845. For the rest of his life eminent scientist worked for the society.
Solar radiation
It was Lenz, who showed great effect of solar radiation on all processes, taking place in atmosphere – one of central aspects of modern climatology. Lenz concluded that major part of solar radiation was absorbed by the World Ocean, and its energy went to evaporation, causing water circulation, thus being essential for world climate formation.
Great scientist died on February 10, 1865, reportedly due to a stroke.
Source: Organic Impacts
Kizilova Anna