Norman H. Foster was an innovative geologist who explored for oil and gas using surface geomorphology and aerial photography integrated with subsurface geology as his exploration tools. Using those techniques, Norm found significant oil reserves in four Miocene reef fields in Indonesia, and in the Buck Peak Field, a gouge zone fault field in north central Colorado. Later, Norm used those same tools to assist his Filon Exploration Corporation partner Ed Dolly in selecting a drill site for what became the discovery well of the second oil field found in Nevada, Trap Spring Field in Nye County. The discovery of Trap Spring Field led to the leasing of over more than five million acres of federal land throughout the state by major and independent oil companies. Norm was both President of AAPG and a Sidney Powers Memorial Award winner. The Norman H. Foster Outstanding Explorer Award was established by AAPG in his honor.