Peter Haff papers, 1973-2022

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Summary

Creator:
Haff, Peter, 1944-2024 and Duke University. University Archives
Abstract:
Peter Kirland Haff was a white professor of geology and civil and environmental engineering who served on the faculty at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering and the Nicholas School of the Environment. His research focused on geomorphology and sediment transport, the physics of ion sputtering and granular flows, the neo-environment, and the technosphere. This collection consists of materials related to Haff's research including notebooks of field and lab notes, photographic materials, drafts of writings, articles, and some correspondence.
Extent:
3.5 Linear Feet
Language:
Materials in English.
Collection ID:
UA.29.02.0283
University Archives Record Group:
29 -- Papers of Faculty, Staff, and Associates
29 -- Papers of Faculty, Staff, and Associates > 02 -- Individuals

Background

Scope and content:

The collection largely consists of materials related to Peter Haff's research and geological field work on subject matters like the Anthropocene, the technosphere, and desert geology. Includes materials related to the Salton Sea Photography Project conducted in partnership with Peter Goin and notebooks containing field and lab notes, day books, drafts of writings, articles, color slides, photographs, negatives, and some correspondence. Folder and item titles are largely original.

Biographical / historical:

Peter Kirland Haff was a white professor of geology and civil and environmental engineering. He was born in Boulder, Colorado on June 29, 1944. He graduated from Harvard College in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in physics, and in 1970, he received a PhD from the University of Virginia. His postdoc work took him to Caltech, University of Washington, University of Copenhagen, and Yale University. He taught physics and researched desert geology at Caltech prior to accepting a joint faculty position at Duke University Pratt School of Engineering and the Nicholas School of the Environment in 1988. While at Duke, he taught courses on civil and environmental engineering, Earth and ocean sciences, and geology. He also performed administrative roles as Chair of the Earth and Ocean Sciences Division from 2001 to 2007 and as the Nicholas School of the Environment Director of Graduate Studies. Haff retired from Duke in 2015 and became professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering and geology. In 2016, he was inducted into the American Geophysical Union Fellows program. His research focused on geomorphology and sediment transport, the physics of ion sputtering and granular flows, the neo-environment, and the technosphere, a concept introduced by Haff to classify "the physical properties of a human-technological system that takes on a role equivalent to the biosphere or hydrosphere." He also participated with the Anthropocene Working Group. Haff died on February 3, 2024.

Sources: Technosphere Magazine, https://technosphere-magazine.hkw.de/p/Peter-K-Haff-9xPhMR94HxWA8LJ6GHmTPm, accessed June 9, 2025

https://www.jessehaff.com/peter_kirkland_haff_1944_2024, accessed June 9, 2025

https://today.duke.edu/2024/02/duke-flags-lowered-professor-emeritus-peter-haff-distinguished-geologist-dies, accessed June 9, 2025

Acquisition information:
The Peter Haff papers were received by the University Archives as a gift from Suzanne Haff in 2024.
Processing information:

Processed by April Blevins, June 2025

Accessions described in this collection guide: UA2024-0054

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Peter Haff papers, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1mq9h